'Number 1' Kepka "This Time It's Saudi"..."Oil Dollar Power~"

First Victory Launch at Saudi International: Stars Including Johnson, Reed, Mickelson, and Garcia Assemble

World No. 1 Brooks Koepka will compete in the Saudi International.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] World No.1 Brooks Koepka (USA) is set to compete again on the European Tour.

This time, it is the Saudi International (total prize money $3.5 million) held on the afternoon of the 30th (Korean time) at the Royal Greens Golf Club (par 70, 7,010 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Although the total prize money is only $3.5 million, it is interesting that big names such as 5th-ranked Dustin Johnson and 12th-ranked Patrick Reed (both USA) are all participating. This is the power of 'Oil Dollar.' They are enticing world stars with huge appearance fees and luxurious conveniences such as accommodation at 7-star hotels.

Established last year, the event raised concerns that players would avoid it because Saudi Arabia was labeled a 'human rights violating country' after the Saudi intelligence agency's assassination squad killed anti-government exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey. In response, the organizing committee distributed appearance fees exceeding $1 million, resulting in a huge success with the top three players at the time?Justin Rose (England), Koepka, and Johnson?all participating. This year, veteran Phil Mickelson (USA) even chose this tournament over the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour held in his hometown.

For Koepka, tuning his competitive shot sense is urgent. Since undergoing knee surgery last October, he has been on a downward slope, missing the cut at the Shriners event and withdrawing after the second round of the CJ Cup. He made his comeback after three months at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which ended on the 19th, starting strong with 6-under par on the first day but faltering with 3-over par on the second day, finishing tied for 34th place.

Johnson is a player to watch. He won the inaugural championship last year by unleashing a powerful 9-under par on the second day. Second-place finisher Li Haotong (China) is dreaming of revenge. Li Haotong made big news by recording four eagles in the third round. European top contenders such as Lee Westwood (England), Shane Lowry (Ireland), and Sergio Garcia (Spain) have joined the competition for the title. Representing Korea is Wang Jeong-hoon (25).