Dustin Johnson announced as new Golf Saudi Ambassador

RIYADH - Two-time PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers champion Dustin Johnson has been announced as Golf Saudi’s newest high-profile ambassador as the sixth edition of the $5 million tournament entered its second day at Riyadh Golf Club.

In his ambassadorial role, the 4Aces GC Captain, who won Golf Saudi’s landmark men’s event in both 2019 and 2021 and is competing in Riyadh this week, will help further drive the growth of golf within Saudi Arabia, working closely with country’s National Teams to deliver year-round lessons and coaching.

The former No. 1 golfer in the world – known as “DJ” – will also continue to be a regular at golf events in Saudi Arabia and wear the Golf Saudi brand logo while competing around the world.

Johnson said: “Golf Saudi is doing such a great job of promoting the game of golf and trying to get more people involved, here in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Me now being a Golf Saudi ambassador I’m very proud to be a part of that and I really want to help grow the game in Saudi.

“I won the first ever PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Royal Greens back in 2019. They do an amazing job of hosting all events out here - it doesn’t matter what kind of event or sport it is. I've always really enjoyed coming here and Golf Saudi put on an incredible event, which has gotten better every year – which is why I've come back and played every year since the first one.”

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We are honored to have Dustin taking on this role, which will be at the heart of our ambition to grow golf in Saudi Arabia and deliver our dream of seeing a Saudi champion in the future.

“Our Saudi pro-golfers – a record five of whom are competing in the PIF Saudi International this week – and our National Development team will be learning year-round and hands-on from one of the very best to ever play the game. Off course, we’ll work with DJ to co-innovate on the future of golf, leaning on his unrivalled expertise and knowledge of the game to get more Saudis playing golf.

“Dustin was our debut PIF Saudi International champion back in 2019 and has been a huge supporter of our goals in golf ever since. We are delighted to strengthen that relationship and look forward to backing DJ as he continues to compete for the biggest titles in golf.”

The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is underway at Riyadh Golf Club, with play climaxing on Saturday, December 7. Johnson is alongside Tyrell Hatton (ENG), defending champion Abraham Ancer (MEX) and Cameron Smith (AUS) as one of the biggest names in the field. There are also five Saudi professionals competing, a record number.

All those who attend the event can sign-up on-site for Golf Saudi’s “Go Golf” world-first free-to-learn golf coaching scheme, which offers three months of free lessons for all new Saudi golfers.

(Photo courtesy of Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)