The Saudi Open presented by PIF will make a triumphant return to Riyadh Golf Club next week, from April 17-20, with LIV Golf captain Henrik Stenson headlining the field, along with five fellow LIV Golf members, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, and the stars of the Asian Tour.

The eighth edition of the event last December was the first time it had been fully sanctioned by the Asian Tour and saw Thailand’s 19-year-old star Denwit Boriboonsub finish on 18-under-par, three shots ahead of 2016 Open Championship winner Stenson. The Thai has confirmed he will return to try and successfully defend his title when the Asian Tour tees-off  after a five-week break in the Saudi Arabian capital.

Building on last year’s successful hosting, the 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF will once again see a strong LIV Golf contingent battle for the trophy as Andy Ogletree, Peter Uihlein, Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig join Majestics joint-team captain Stenson and his former European Ryder Cup teammate Cabrero-Bello in Riyadh.

Henrik Stenson pictured at last year’s Saudi Open presented by PIF. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Puig, who won the season-opening Malaysian Open, currently tops the Asian Tour Order of Merit ahead of second placed John Catlin from the United States – winner of the recent International Series Macau presented by Wynn, where he shot the Tour’s first ever 59.

Golf Saudi will again show their commitment to ensuring opportunities for everyone with a number of spots reserved for invites for local Saudi and Arabic golfers to compete in the tournament, while the No. 1 ranked disability golfer in the world, and Golf Saudi ambassador, Kipp Poppert, will tee it up among the professionals once more.

Stenson catapulted himself into second place with a 65 in the final round last year and is determined to go one better and lift the trophy this time round, even though he knows it will be tough with the strong field assembled.

Stenson said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Riyadh to play in the Saudi Open presented by PIF. I loved the atmosphere on my first visit to what is an incredible golf course, and I am very excited to experience that again.

Denwit Boriboonsub celebrates his victory last December. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“The facilities are highly impressive and highlight the strides that golf in Saudi Arabia continues to make. I am expecting another very strong and testing tournament against a field full of quality players, but I am eager to go one better than last year and lift the trophy.”

Asian Tour Commissioner &  CEO Cho Minn Thant added: “We are delighted to be going back to Riyadh for the Saudi Open presented by PIF.

“The event proved to be an excellent addition to the Asian Tour having been elevated from the Asian Development Tour, and Riyadh Golf Club provided us with a perfect setting to end 2023. In Golf Saudi, we have a trusted partner who we are confident will deliver another fantastic tournament.”

The Saudi Open presented by PIF is the fifth stop of the season on the Asian Tour.