The ongoing conflicts across the Middle East have forced the Asian Tour to postpone its season-ending event.
The PIF Saudi International, set for Nov.18-21 at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, was postponed Thursday "following an assessment of the organizational and logistical challenges associated with hosting the tournament," per tournament officials. The event, which has a $5 million purse, does not have a make-up date as of now.
"The Asian Tour remains in direct contact with its players and members regarding the schedule and next steps," the tour said in a statement. "Golf Saudi thanks players, partners and fans for their understanding. Further details will be announced in due course."
Officials in Saudi Arabia said a strike hit King Khalid
International Airport on Oct. 11, a day after an attack killed at least 13 people at the same airport. King Khalid is about 30 minutes from Riyadh Golf Club.
The news is also significant because the DP World Tour's final two events of the season, the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, are both set in November in the United Arab Emirates, which borders Saudi Arabia. No reports of strikes in the UAE have emerged since May 17, though the DP World Tour has been monitoring the situation in the Middle East ahead of its playoffs.
Last year, Josele Ballester won the PIF Saudi International and the $1 million prize for first place.
Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Asian Tour postpones season-ending PIF Saudi International amid Middle East conflict
