Cameron Smith (Australia), who is ranked third in the men’s golf world, will compete in the first tournament of the new year at the PIF Saudi International (total prize money of 5 million dollars) to be held in Saudi Arabia next month.
Smith, along with defending champion Harold Varner III, has decided to compete in the Asian Tour PIF Saudi International, which will be held at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia for four days from February 2nd.
Starting the first competition of the new year in 2023 with the Asian Tour is related to accumulating world ranking points.
Smith was aiming for the throne last year by winning the Open in major tournaments, raising his world ranking to second place. However, he failed to rank first as he moved the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs to the LIV Golf Invitational Series (hereafter referred to as LIV Golf).
LIV Golf, which was launched last year, did not receive a world ranking point for a three-round, 54-hole tournament, and rather, Smith’s ranking fell to third place.
Smith took part in the Australian PGA Championship and the Australian Open held in Australia in December to maintain the world rankings.
The Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open have a total prize money of $2 million, which is less than one-tenth of that of LIV Golf, which offered $25 million, but entered the tournament to accumulate world ranking points.
Smith achieved his goal by winning the Australian PGA Championship and receiving 10.4 points in the world rankings. He tied for 47th at the Australian Open, earning only 0.27 points.
In order for Smith to maintain his current ranking, he must continue to accumulate world ranking points. However, as it is difficult for LIV Golf to receive world ranking points this year, it is highly likely that the Asian Tour, which receives world rankings, will become more frequent. 안전놀이터
“It’s great to play on world-class courses,” said Smith. “I look forward to facing familiar faces and competing with some of the best players on the Asian Tour.”
Along with Smith, Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell were on the roster for this tournament.
Starting with the PIF Saudi International, the Asian Tour will host two consecutive International Series tournaments in Oman and Qatar only in February.