Ballester overtakes Surratt and Burmester to win the PIF Saudi International as LIV Golf qualifiers are confirmed.
Josele Ballester claimed victory at the PIF Saudi International with a dominant performance, finishing three strokes ahead of American Caleb Surratt. Ballester posted rounds of 66, 65, 66, and 65, delivering a bogey-free final round to surpass co-leaders Surratt and Dean Burmester. While Surratt managed a 69 and Burmester a 71 in the final round, Ballester’s precise iron play kept him in control despite missing several fairways, especially on the back nine.
Ballester shines in Asian Tour finale
The Saudi International served as the final event of the Asian Tour’s International Series, determining the top two players in the series ranking who would earn spots in the upcoming LIV Golf season. Those coveted positions went to Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji. Vincent, who had previously qualified for LIV Golf through the International Series in 2022, becomes the first player to qualify twice after narrowly retaining his spot in 2023 before being relegated in 2024.
Mixed results for Rottluff and Kaymer
Germany’s Max Rottluff climbed to 42nd place with a strong final round of 66. Despite hitting only five fairways, he created multiple birdie opportunities and converted seven of them thanks to an outstanding putting performance. Meanwhile, Martin Kaymer slipped to 57th after a round of 71 consisting of 18 pars. Although he hit most greens in regulation, his putter failed to capitalize, preventing any birdie gains.