Asian Tour golf finale in Saudi Arabia postponed

FILE PHOTO: The Saudi International, the final event of the Asian Tour golf season, was postponed with no alternative dates announced. | Photo Credit: Asian Tour

The Saudi International, the final event of the Asian Tour golf season, was postponed on Thursday following several deadly attacks on the kingdom by Yemen’s Houthis.

The tournament was originally scheduled to take place from November 18-21 in Riyadh and no alternative date has been announced.

“The Asian Tour remains in direct contact with its players and members regarding the schedule and next steps,” read a joint statement from Saudi Golf and the Asian Tour, saying the competition was postponed due to “logistical challenges”.

The tournament, which was part of the European Tour from 2019-21, is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund (PIF).

The PIF poured an estimated $5 billion into breakaway golf circuit LIV before abruptly pulling the plug earlier this year.

Former winners of the Saudi International include Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell and Joaquin Niemann.

The postponement follows that of the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, which was pushed back from next week until December on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, three Saudi Pro League football matches, including one involving Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, were also postponed.

A violent battle between a Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s Houthis has erupted in recent days, with missile strikes on airports and energy facilities across the kingdom.

The Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix slated for April in Jeddah was cancelled after the outbreak of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran in late February.

The WTA Finals were also scheduled to be held in Riyadh next month but will instead take place at Indian Wells in the US.