Jovan Rebula was one of two best-performing South Africans on Thursday in the opening round of the Asian Tour’s controversial PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club with his two-under-par 68 giving him a share of 32nd.
He was joined by JC Ritchie, who made five birdies and three bogeys in his first round, and the South Africans found themselves six shots off the opening eight-under-par 62 shot by Italy’s Matteo Manassero. Manassero had a two-stroke lead over five players on six-under – Sam Horsfield, Adri Arnaus, Bubba Watson, Harold Varner III and Ryosuke Kunoshita. Rebula had four birdies and two bogeys on his card.
Mathiam Keyser was the next-best of the South Africans on one-under, while Jaco Ahlers was on level-par. Justin Harding and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent were on one-over, with Jbe’ Kruger and Neil Schietekat a on three-over. James Hart du Preez was on four-over.
Leading players from the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour who have courted controversy by accepting substantial appearance fees from the Saudi government to play in the tournament include Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson, Tommy Fleetwood, Lee Westwood, Ian Pouter, Sergio Garcia, Tyrell Hatton, Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele.
