Today (Sunday) was the final round of the $5 million PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
I shot a 69 today, one under par to complete the tournament with my first three rounds of 67, 71 and 72 to finish one under par, 209, over the par 70 European Golf Designed course and finished in tied 56th.
My overall game was a bit better today, but I had hoped for a better finish.
Good news
I made a few birdies this week, which is the good news, I just need to tidy up my iron play and then I should be in good shape.
I had three birdies today and just two dropped shots. My 14 of 18 greens’ statistics today was my best of the week, again it is small margins that make the difference.
On the signature hole next to the ocean, the 16th, I managed three birdie twos and a par 3 in my four rounds. It can be a card wrecker and I would like to see any other player who matched my on that hole. It is a genuine risk and reward hole, particularly with some creative pin positions that were set.
My playing partners today were Pat Perez (US) and Matt Jones (Aus), both LIV Tour players.
We had a great laugh on the golf course in our group, Perez, must be one of the funniest guys I have ever played with in my career.
Both of them are seasoned professionals and it is a pleasant change to be the youngest in the threeball, Perez is 46 and Jones 42 years-old. So, I am the youngster in the group at 40. I do not say that many weeks of the year these days with the Tours full of young players, so it is refreshing to see some oldies holding their own.
Decent week
I was impressed how well they managed their respective games and got round the golf course, Perez shooting 68 and Jones 70, so we all played similar golf.
All in all it has been a decent week for me and a good platform to build on moving forward.
It is nice to be back in the competitive groove with a scorecard in my hand.
My next event is the $2 million International Series – Oman on the Asian Tour. It is exciting to see the Asian Tour creating a foothold in the Middle East, most people tend to forget that Oman and Qatar are actually on the western edge of Asia.
Another strong field has been assembled with once again the Asian Tour stars being joined in the 132 player field by many of the LIV players highlighted by Brooks Koepka (US), Sergio Garcia (Spain) and Graeme McDowell (NI) starting on Thursday.
Thanks for all your support and messages this week.
- Shiv Kapur is a Dubai resident and a three time winner on the Asian Tour.
