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Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - The Saudi International powered by SBIA continues to bolster its field strength, announcing today the confirmation of European Ryder Cup stars world No. 2, Justin Rose; 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia; 2016 Open Champion, Henrik Stenson; and 17-time worldwide winner, Ian Poulter, in the inaugural event, taking place in King Abdullah Economic City at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, from 31st January to 3rd February 2019.
The tournament, which features on the European Tour schedule for the first time, continues to showcase its intent to become a leading event on the golfing calendar, with a host of Ryder Cup stars set to compete for a prize fund of US$3.5m.
At the heart of Team Europe, Rose, Garcia, Stenson and Poulter contributed no less than ten points towards Team Europe’s tally, with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson remaining unbeaten for the week and Spain’s Sergio Garcia becoming the all-time record Ryder Cup points scorer.
They are set to join the likes of previously confirmed Saudi International powered by SBIA players including world No. 3, Dustin Johnson; 2018 Masters Champion, Patrick Reed; and victorious European Ryder Cup captain, Thomas Bjorn.
The tournament field now boasts two of the world’s top three players, five Major champions and six players from the recent Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Paris.
H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation commented: “Today’s announcement reiterates our intention to make the inaugural Saudi International one of world golf’s strongest events. Our ambition from the start was to amass a box office field that would build immediate impact and allow us to showcase the ambition of Saudi Arabia and its bright future to the world, whilst laying solid foundations for future endeavours. With the visual impact of Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, the impressive host venue facilities and the beauty of the Red Sea Coastline, we have all the ingredients for a successful opening year and are confident all the players will leave holding Saudi Arabia and its golf prospects in the highest regard.”
“We are delighted to have this unique international golf tournament along with global renowned golfers hosted in KAEC. The international award-winning Royal Greens Golf and Country Club which is situated along the spectacular Red Sea coastline, enjoys state-of-the-art facilities that will provide players and spectators with a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Mr. Ahmed Linjawy, Group CEO of KAEC. “KAEC aims to make the city the most attractive tourism destination on the Red Sea in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and to meet the growing demand on tourism and entertainment destinations in the Kingdom."
Recently crowned FedEx Cup Champion, Justin Rose, added: “I’ve heard a lot of positive things about Saudi Arabia and I’m delighted to see a new tournament added to the European Tour schedule. It’s an honour be part of history and compete in the first professional golf tournament in the Kingdom.”
2016 Open Championship winner, Henrik Stenson, commented: “I’ve been on the European Tour since 2001 and I’ve been lucky enough to play golf all over the world but I’ve never been to Saudi Arabia. The course looks spectacular and I’ve heard a lot about the Kingdom’s plans to grow golf in the region and I’m excited to be a part of it. You always want to compete against the best players in the world when you tee it up and this provides me another opportunity to do that.”
The tournament will take place within King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, which lies along the spectacular Red Sea coastline. The Club boasts a premier championship golf course, a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a world-class practice facility and stunning residential and recreational facilities. Aiming to attract many of the best players in the world, the Saudi International powered by SBIA will place a special focus on families, community, charity and junior development as the Kingdom looks to develop its golfing pedigree.
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About the Saudi Golf Federation
The Saudi Golf Federation is the governing body for golf in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responsible for handicapping, development of golf as a sport and for delivering national tournaments. Based in Riyadh, the Federation is a full member of the Council of National Golf Unions and is committed to fully developing the game for all its citizens and residents.
About King Abdullah Economic City
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is the largest privately-funded new city in the world. Situated on the west coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KAEC covers an area of 181 square kilometers of land, approximately the size of Washington DC. KAEC comprises King Abdullah Port, the Coastal Communities residential districts, the Haramain Railway district and the Industrial Valley. The city is under development by Emaar, The Economic City, a publicly listed Saudi joint-stock company established in 2006.
About The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club
The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club is an exclusive, first-class golfing experience set within King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. The beautiful beachside 18-hole championship golf course, designed by European Golf Design, offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The majestic clubhouse boasts a panoramic view of the Red Sea and offers an exclusive members area with private dining, a board room, cigar room, library, executive business center and other luxury amenities.
With its state-of-the-art practice facilities, Golf Academy, Spa and array of fine dining options, Royal Greens is set to become one of the region's finest sports and leisure destinations.
About The European Tour
The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2018, the European Tour International Schedule will feature a minimum of 47 tournaments in 30 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.
Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2017 went to England’s Tommy Fleetwood for the first time, and which, since 2009, has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, twice by Henrik Stenson, and once each by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald.
Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 53 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.
The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 27 tournaments in 21 countries in 2017, and the Staysure Tour, which featured 16 tournaments in 12 countries in 2017. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup. In 2018, the 42nd staging of the biennial contest between Europe and the United States of America will take place at Le Golf National, France, from September 28-30.
The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.
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