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Dustin Johnson, one of the LIV Golf star players confirmed for Jeddah next week. Image Credit: Supplied

LIV Golf prepares to make its Middle Eastern debut in Saudi Arabia from October 14-16 where the LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah will bring 48 of the world’s best golfers to the country to compete in the penultimate event of 2022 pioneering season.

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club will host the current Open Champion Cameron Smith (Aus) and 12 major winners among the 48-man field, which also includes past Saudi International winners Dustin Johnson (US), Harold Varner III (US), and Graeme McDowell (NI).

The first of its kind individual and team format sees the professionals compete in 12 teams of four with a shotgun start accompanied by on-course music and entertainment to create energy and an incredible environment not often associated with golf.

USA and England

Featuring an impressive $25 million prize purse, with $20 million for the Individual Event and $5 million for the Team Event, the contest is the final international stop in LIV’s inaugural eight event season, having previously competed in the USA and England. The week prior to Jeddah, the golfers will head to Thailand for the first event in the Asian continent at the newly opened Stonehill.

“LIV Golf can’t wait for our first stop in the Middle East, where interest in both sport and golf is growing,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “We couldn’t be more pleased to bring the biggest names in golf to Jeddah and debut our innovative league.”

Majed Al Sorour, Managing Director of LIV Golf, added: “LIV Golf is creating opportunities for players from all over the world to compete on a new global stage. After only five events, the results reveal incredible competition and entertainment that are engaging LIV Golf with an international audience. We’re excited to tee off at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club which will be an excellent test for the world’s greatest players.”