Dustin Johnson experienced a challenging week at the PIF Saudi International, missing the cut by three shots. The LIV Golf star, who had been looking forward to his return to the Asian Tour, struggled in his first non-LIV event (excluding the majors) since joining the breakaway league in 2022. His performance was notably overshadowed by a one-over-par 73 in the second round, following a one-under 71 on the first day, which saw him fail to make the weekend.
Key Moments of the Week
- Struggles on the Course: Johnson’s round on Thursday was particularly disappointing, marked by a triple-bogey seven on the par-four 16th hole. This costly error effectively sealed his fate for the tournament.
- Missed Cut: With a total score of +1, Johnson missed the cut by three strokes, ensuring he would not compete over the weekend. Despite a solid start on Wednesday, his difficulties on Thursday ended any hopes of a comeback.
- Fresh Saudi Role: On the same day as his disappointing round, Johnson’s appointment as an ambassador for Golf Saudi was announced. This high-profile partnership is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to promote golf in the region and support its players. Golf Saudi’s CEO, Noah Alireza, expressed pride in having Johnson take on the role, highlighting his extensive experience and potential to mentor Saudi players.
Context of Johnson’s Career
- LIV Season Performance: Johnson’s performance in the 2023 LIV season did not meet his own high expectations. Although he secured a victory in Las Vegas in March, he finished the year in 14th place overall—far from the dominant form he displayed in 2022, when he won the LIV double. Reflecting on the past season, Johnson acknowledged it had been “mediocre at best,” but he also remained optimistic, saying that his game was improving towards the end of the year.
- Looking Ahead: Despite the challenges, Johnson is looking forward to returning to LIV action in February 2024 in Riyadh. Additionally, his team, the 4Aces, has undergone changes with the addition of Ryder Cupper Thomas Pieters from Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats.
Golf Saudi’s Long-Term Vision
- Growth of Golf in Saudi Arabia: The appointment of Dustin Johnson is a strategic move by Golf Saudi to expand the sport in the region. Johnson, with his vast experience, will work alongside Saudi golfers and help shape the future of the sport in the country. Alireza’s vision is to create a “future Saudi champion” and to involve more Saudis in the game, with Johnson’s guidance expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal.
- Impact on Saudi Pro-Golfers: As an ambassador, Johnson’s involvement is expected to bring direct benefits to Saudi players, offering them access to his expertise and helping elevate the standard of golf within the country.
While Dustin Johnson’s performance at the PIF Saudi International was a setback, his new role with Golf Saudi underscores his ongoing commitment to the game and its development. His work with Saudi players, alongside his return to LIV Golf next year, will be closely watched as both his individual form and his ambassadorial efforts unfold.
