• 07 February 2025
• -
• 4 minutes read

February 7, 2025 – Riyadh, KSA: Saudi golf star Khaled Attieh has admitted to being blown away by the rapid rise of golf in Saudi Arabia, as he rubs shoulders with the biggest names in global golf this weekend as part of the $20million prize-fund LIV Golf Riyadh.

As one of Saudi Arabia’s newest professional players, Attieh was recently announced as a fresh ambassador for Golf Saudi, and this week he is already on the sidelines of the landmark 2025 season-opening LIV event at Riyadh Golf Club, after being selected as first reserve.

The 30-year-old, who recently completed his ascent to play at professional level, is waiting in the wings for the opportunity to arise for him to step-in to compete at the huge three-day event, where he would play alongside the likes of two-time PIF Saudi International champion and fellow Golf Saudi ambassador Dustin Johnson, plus Major-winners Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia.

And as Riyadh Golf Club is well underway in its hosting of two massive weeks of world-class golf – with next week’s PIF Saudi Ladies International following hot on the heels of this week’s LIV action – Attieh took a moment to reflect, not only on his own rise in the game, but at the speed of golf’s growth within Saudi Arabia, driven largely by Golf Saudi.

Last year was a record 12 months for Golf Saudi, who hosted eight elite golf events at home and abroad – including the returning $5million PIF Saudi Ladies international, which offers the biggest prize-fund on the Ladies European Tour outside of Major events. A vast number of on-ground initiatives have also seen the number of golfers in Saudi Arabia reaching record numbers.

And that investment into the game is clearly further on-show this week, with the Golf Saudi-managed Riyadh Golf Club earning rave reviews as it hosts LIV’s debut night event, a tournament broadcast around the world.

Reflecting on both his own personal journey and that of the game of golf in Saudi Arabia, Attieh said: “I take great pride in being one of the early adopters of golf in the country. Over the years, I have

witnessed firsthand the significant developments in the sport here, both in terms of infrastructure and the growing number of players.

“Thanks to the dedicated work of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, the game is evolving rapidly, building a solid foundation for its future. Golf has truly transformed my life, and I believe it will do the same for many others, especially as the sport continues to gain more fans and followers globally.”

Speaking about the headline tournaments held at Riyadh Golf Club: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi for their continuous efforts in hosting these world-class tournaments, providing Saudi players with the opportunity to compete and represent the Kingdom at such a prestigious level.

“Events like these are also a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring golfers to witness elite competition up close, learn from some of the world’s top golf stars, and be inspired to pursue the sport.”

In his new ambassadorial role, Attieh will join the ranks of both Golf Saudi’s global names and local star players – including Othman Almulla, Saud-Al Sharif, Faisal Salhab and Shergo Kurdi -who will help further drive the growth of golf in Saudi Arabia. Working closely with local players and the country’s National Teams, they will deliver coaching and training expertise. Togolfers of all ages and abilities. Supporting Saudi’s growing demand for the sport and leveraging Golf Saudi’s ambition to elevate the sport’s accessibility, his success story is set to encourage even more Saudi golfers than ever before.

Attieh’s ascent in the golfing worldhas been driven by significant milestones. In March 2024, he clinched the Senior Individual title at the GCC Golf Championship in Doha, Qatar, denying the host nation’s Saleh Al Kaabi a hat-trick of victories.

Earlier last year, he made history by becoming the first Saudi amateur to make the cut in a professional tournament during the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman – showcasing Saudi golfing ability on a truly global stage and highlighting the crucial role of international competitions in providing exposure to emerging golfers.

Golf Saudi’s mission to develop the game has been instrumental in Attieh’s rise. Through elite player development programs, grassroots initiatives, and the hosting of top-tier international tournaments, the organization is creating a lasting legacy for golf in the Kingdom.

LIV Golf Riyadh continues tonight and into Sunday at Riyadh Golf Club. The Golf Saudi organized PIF Saudi Ladies International will follow next weekend, welcoming a field set to be packed with many of the world’s biggest and best women golfers.