The International Series returns in 2023, making its Middle Eastern debut at Al Mouj Golf, Oman, from 9-12 February with the Asian Tour’s enhanced tournament series’ strongest field to date.
The 132-player field including golfers from 23 countries across 6 continents is headlined by major winners Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel.
The all-time Ryder Cup points earner, Garcia, is joined in the field by fellow Spaniards Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig.
The all-star field also includes Chile’s two top-ranked players Joaquin Niemann and Mito Pereira.
Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour CEO, said: “Re-introducing the International Series, with heavyweight stars such as these, in new markets like the Middle East, provides unimaginable exposure for the game of golf in locations where the potential for growth is enormous.”
Now in its second year, The International Series will contribute a total of over $20m to the 2023 Asian Tour prize funds. Comprising of 10 events, an increase from seven in 2022, this investment ensures elevated purses of minimum $2m per tournament.
Alongside the numerous global players seeking to capitalise on the increased prize purse are Asian Tour stalwarts, Sihwan Kim – winner of the 2022 Asian Tour Order Of Merit, and Scott Vincent – winner of the 2022 International Series Order Of Merit.
The 30-year-old Zimbabwean who’s earned a coveted place in the LIV Golf League under captain Niemann, said: “With the introduction of The International Series and the clear pathway to the heights of LIV Golf, The Asian Tour is a really exciting place to be playing golf right now.
“It’s always exciting to visit new places and it’s great that The International Series is breaking ground in the Middle East this year.”
Representing the region, Othman Ibrahim Almulla, Saud Abdullah Al Sharif and Faisal Mohammed Salhab, from Saudi Arabia plus Jordan’s Shergo Al Kurdi, will also showcase their talents in Oman.
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, spoke on the advancement of the events, saying: “Besides the exciting line up we already have confirmed, helping us kickstart the 2023 season, our aim with the series has always been continued growth.
“With the names competing and the commitment we’ve made to growing the purses at each event, it shows we’re already achieving this, in just our second season.”