Ballester overtakes Surratt and Burmester to win the PIF Saudi International as LIV Golf qualifiers are confirmed.
Josele Ballester emerged victorious at the PIF Saudi International with a dominant performance, carding rounds of 66, 65, 66, and 65 to finish three strokes ahead of American Caleb Surratt. Dean Burmester followed two shots behind. Ballester delivered a flawless final round to surpass the co-leaders after round three. Despite missing several fairways, particularly on the back nine, his precise iron play consistently found the greens.
Ballester Shines in Final Round
Ballester’s consistency and composure under pressure were key to his win. While Surratt settled for a 69 and Burmester posted a 71 in the final round, Ballester’s bogey-free 65 sealed the deal. His ability to recover from missed fairways and convert birdie opportunities proved decisive.
LIV Golf Spots Secured by Vincent and Asaji
The Saudi International served as the final event of the Asian Tour’s International Series, determining the top two players in the International Series Ranking who would earn spots in the 2024 LIV Golf season. Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji secured those coveted places. Vincent, who had previously qualified via the International Series in 2022 and narrowly retained his spot in 2023, becomes the first player to qualify for LIV Golf twice.
Mixed Results for Rottluff and Kaymer
Max Rottluff climbed to 42nd place with a closing 66, despite hitting only five fairways. His stellar putting led to seven birdies. Martin Kaymer, on the other hand, slipped to 57th after a round of 71, marked by 18 pars. Although he hit most greens in regulation, his putter failed to capitalize on scoring chances.