European Tour Saudi International leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/saudi-international-powered-by-softbank-investment-advisers-2020/leaderboard
There was a lot of controversy surrounding the pros supporting the inaugural Saudi International, mostly in regard to the despicable human rights under the regime of King Salman and his predecessors. Very few if any Saudi's play golf, so his show case Royal Greens course is for international visitors and corporations. Supporting the King's desire to increase tourism, and shine a kind light on this tournament seems to support his agenda when the cameras all leave.
However a strong field, all with their own opinions showed up last year led by world #1 Dustin Johnson who won, and he's back along with Phil Mickelson this year who has passed on the PGA Tour's Waste Management Open in Phoenix for reasons of his own including a huge unofficial appearance fee.
Gavin Green from Malaysia who won the Asian Tour's Order of Merit last year, got out early before the wind began to blow on the Royal Greens G&CC, posting -6 64. He was joined later in the day by Graham McDowell who hasn't won in Europe in 6 years and only has 8 top 10's since 2014 when he won the French Open.
Henrik Stenson leads a pack of five at -5 65, while Mickelson with a back nine of 29 on his card came in at -4 66.
Defending champ Dustin Johnson is at -3 67 alongside Aussie Lucas Herbert who has sobered up after an almighty party following his win in Dubai.
Bryan Angus
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