U.S. comedian Bob Hope once said about the game of golf, “If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf."

The 2022 PIF Saudi International golf tournament, powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, kept players, spectators and stakeholders alike riveted to games that were equal parts fun to hard work.

Overlooking a stunning stretch of Red Sea coast at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the landmark tournament, February 3–6, 2022, is part of a 10-year partnership with Asian Tour, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as title sponsor. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is among the official partners contributing to the event’s success.

More than 50 top-ranking golf professionals from around the world converged at the Royal Greens course to compete for prizes totaling five million dollars. The mix of talent included titled champions such as Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson of the USA, Matteo Manassero of Italy, and Joohyung Kim of Korea playing alongside rising stars such as Saud Al Sharif and Faisal Salhab of Saudi Arabia in what many consider to be the strongest field in the history of Asian Tour. Players participated from all three main golf tours: Professional Golf Association (PGA), Asian Tour (AT) and the newly named DP World Tour (reflecting a 2022 merger with the European Tour group).

Harold Varner III of the USA emerged victorious to claim the opening title and cash award of $1,000,000. The 31-year-old delighted crowds in a show of precision strokes and form, regaining control after a double bogey setback by matching Bubba Watson with a birdie on the 17th hole, and sinking a dramatic 92-foot eagle on the 18th hole, finishing on Sunday with a 1-under 69 score in a close game of skill and sportsmanship.

This is the second big win for Varner, who rose to recognition as the winner of the 2016 Australian PGA Championship. The American is known for his long drives, a mastery for which he did not disappoint at the Saudi tournament, despite blustery winds and stiff competition.

Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson of the USA and Spanish star Adri Arnaus were among those players close on the heels of Varner. Arnaus and Varner shared the halfway lead on Friday, each scoring four-under-par 66s in the second round, and Watson pulled ahead of Varner on Sunday with a run of five birdies and an eagle on the 18th hole. In spite of impressive gains, the two were no match for Varner’s finale eagle, a stroke that placed him one ahead of Watson, three ahead of Arnaus, and 13-under, overall, to take the tournament. Famed Arabic sports commentator Fahad Al-Otaibi engaged audiences with lively commentary that entertained as much as informed.

KAUST Partnership

As official partner to the tournament, KAUST hosted more than 150 international media members covering the tournament as well as Asian Golf Federation officials; the guests enjoyed a comfortable stay at the KAUST Inn and Guest Houses. For tournament spectators and guests, the seaside setting at KAEC was the perfect place to relax and mingle with community, and KAUST community members volunteered in various roles to make the event fun and memorable. The KAUST interactive booth provided a range of activities for families.

The KAUST School provided opportunities for its students to engage with the athletes, including a Q & A, putting challenge and golf-related games with European Tour professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, ranked in the top 50 globally. The exchange is part of a broader initiative by the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi to make the game of golf more inclusive and encourage mass participation through school sports curriculum programs.

“I had such a fantastic time meeting all the students and teachers at TKS. What they are doing with golf is fantastic. I love and believe in the game, and everyone looked like they were smiling and having a great time when trying a few games of golf. I look forward to being back again,” said Fleetwood

If you don’t know golf but want to learn, KAUST offers lessons at its own beautiful Safaa Golf Club course. The club hosted several noteworthy golfing guests during the tournament, including former Saudi International 2020 winner Graeme McDowell and 2014 PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner, who both enjoyed playing on the smooth Safaa greens.

Commenting on KAUST’s partnership with the tournament, Vice President of KAUST Community Life Chris Sealey said, “The high-profile event is not only an excellent way for golf fans to learn about the game and what it offers, but also this region of the world and the Kingdom, its goals and assets, including KAUST and the sustainable research happening here.”

Next up on the Asian Tour is the Royal’s Cup in Thailand. Fans will track the success of players as they compete here and across Asia in the 10-series tour. Who will make the cut for the 2023 Saudi International Golf Tournament? Golf fans can expect an equally high caliber turnout of talent. Keep your eyes on the younger generation golfers.