American Phil Mickelson will play the Saudi Worldwide early subsequent 12 months, additional bolstering what’s shaping as much as be top-of-the-line fields within the early a part of the European Tour season.
Mickelson’s participation was introduced on Monday, with fellow American Tony Finau additionally becoming a member of the sphere for the January 30-February 2 event.
Defending champion Dustin Johnson, world No.1 Brooks Koepka and British Open champion Shane Lowry are amongst these beforehand confirmed to play.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to taking part in in Saudi Arabia in January,” five-times main champion Mickelson mentioned in an announcement.
“I watched Dustin win the title final 12 months and thought the course regarded like an attention-grabbing problem.
“Having so many gifted gamers on present additionally made it appear to be a way more established event than one in its inaugural 12 months.”
The choice means Mickelson will miss the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open, a event he has performed 27 years in a row, within the metropolis the place he went to college.
The Saudi Worldwide, to performed on the Royal Greens Golf course adjoining to the Pink Sea in King Abdullah Financial Metropolis, will supply prize cash of $US3.5 million ($A5.1 million), on prime of undisclosed look charges paid to draw the highest gamers.
The European Tour is strongly supporting the event, regardless of what Amnesty Worldwide describes as Saudi Arabia’s “heinous human rights document.”
