'Number 1' Johnson "Heading to Saudi Expedition in February Next Year~"... 'Hulk' DeChambeau Joins

European Tour Saudi International Declaration: World Stars Including Mickelson and DeChambeau Gather "Oil Dollar Power"

Dustin Johnson (left) poses for a commemorative photo immediately after winning the 2019 Saudi International. King Abdullah Economic City (Saudi) = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] World No.1 Dustin Johnson (USA) will embark on a 'Saudi expedition' next February.

On the 27th (Korean time), the AP reported that "world stars such as Johnson, DeChambeau, and Mickelson will participate in the European Tour's Saudi International." It is a stage established last year. Initially, there were concerns that players would avoid it because Saudi Arabia, where an assassination squad belonging to the Saudi intelligence agency killed anti-government exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey, is a 'human rights-violating country.' However, the organizing committee succeeded in attracting the then 'world ranking top 3' including Justin Rose (England), Brooks Koepka (USA), and Johnson.

Of course, it is the 'oil dollar power.' Huge amounts of money were spent, including invitation fees exceeding $1 million and accommodation and meals at 7-star hotels. It is interesting that 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) declined an enormous amount of money exceeding $3 million. This year, even the 'veteran' Phil Mickelson (USA) made news by participating in this tournament instead of the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open held in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Johnson is the inaugural champion. He achieved a 2-stroke victory (19-under 261) at the fiercely contested King Abdullah Economic City Royal Greens Golf Club (par 70, 7,010 yards), and added a 2nd place (10-under 270) last February, challenging to reclaim the top spot after two years. This time, his status has changed significantly. He won 3 PGA Tour titles in the 2020 season and became the final champion of the playoffs in September, hitting the '15 million dollar (1.7 billion KRW) jackpot.'

The highlight was the 'Autumn Masters' on the 16th. A commanding 5-stroke victory (20-under 268), accompanied by a record low score in Masters history. Johnson's invitation fee is expected to become big news. With 'US Open Champion' DeChambeau joining, it has become a special match where major champions clash. The 'European squad,' including defending champion Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), Shane Lowry (Ireland), and Sergio Garcia (Spain), is also eyeing the opportunity.