World No.1 Dustin Johnson and US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will be heading back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers with the duo confirming their attendance alongside defending champion Graeme McDowell.
The pair will headline what’s expected to be another who’s who of Major champions and Ryder Cup stars at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, with the event taking place from February 4-7 2021 and part of the “Desert Swing” on the European Tour.
Johnson claimed the inaugural title as he fought off China’s Li Haotong to win by two strokes in a captivating final round in 2019. The 2016 US Open champion followed that result with a runner-up finish behind McDowell earlier this year and is eager to help continue the growth of the game in the Kingdom.
“It’s been pretty neat to witness the growth of golf in the Kingdom and it’s definitely one of the reasons I like to play in Saudi Arabia. Golf has been such an important part of my life, so it’s nice to get the chance to play a part in introducing it to a new audience. In just the past two years you can see the interest level rising in Saudi, especially amongst the juniors.” – Dustin Johnson
DeChambeau heads to the Kingdom for his second appearance as a Major champion after a dominant victory at last month’s US Open. The 2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner will be hoping to continue his fine form as he looks to build on his tied 6th from 2019.
“I have undergone a lot of changes since I last visited the Kingdom as I work to fulfil my golf potential and I think you can say the same about golf in Saudi as it continues to develop as Golf Saudi endeavour to grow the game,” said DeChambeau.
“I finished a credible T6 in 2019 and I obviously hope to finish a little better this year but I am also really interested to see what has changed and how golf has grown since my last visit.”
McDowell ended his 2,037 day wait for a European Tour title with a gutsy, grinding victory earlier this year and is relishing the opportunity at defending his title.
“From the high of winning the 2020 Saudi International in February against such an amazing field, we very quickly had to contend with all that COVID-19 has thrown at us since, so I think I was lucky to be able to hold onto that awesome winning feeling through the darker parts of lockdown,” said the Northern Irishman.
“I am really looking forward to getting 2020 over and having a fresh start to 2021 and, from what I’ve heard about how the field is shaping up, it sounds like almost everyone has decided to make that fresh start in Saudi Arabia!”
Majed Al Sorour, CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, added: “We are delighted that Saudi Arabia is open and able to host sporting events of such stature and announcing these three international golf stars is proof of that. We are very proud of the field we are assembling to play in the Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers and are very happy to have the support of so many of the world’s best golfers as it shows us that we are moving our event in the right direction. We have many more star names to announce in the coming weeks but we are absolutely delighted to start with these three great champions and are proud to host the third edition of this important event in Saudi Arabia as we work to develop golf in the region.”
With a host of Ryder Cup, Race to Dubai and World Ranking points up for grabs its set to be another thrilling tournament with a world-class field.
Further player announcements are expected soon.
