Conflicts in the Middle East: Asian Tour Postpones Season Finale – DP World Tour Sticks with Playoffs

The Asian Tour has postponed its season finale. The PIF Saudi International, which was scheduled to take place November 18–21 at the Riyadh Golf Club, has been canceled for the time being. No alternative date or new venue has been announced. The organizer cites organizational and logistical challenges as the reason. On the same day, the DP World Tour announced that its two playoff tournaments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would take place as planned.

Postponement in Riyadh

The tournament had a prize purse of $5 million. Last year’s winner, Josele Ballester, had won $1 million at the time. The Asian Tour announced that it is in direct contact with its players and members, and further details will follow. The Saudi golf association, Golf Saudi, thanked those involved for their understanding.

Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant commented: “The PIF Saudi International is one of the most important tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar, and we look forward to seeing our players compete in Riyadh in the future.”

Security Situation in the Region

According to reports, an attack on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh on October 10 killed at least 13 people. On October 11, another attack struck the same airport. It is located about 30 minutes from the tournament venue. The Asian Tour’s official statement does not mention these incidents. The security situation in the United Arab Emirates is currently considered tense. However, according to reports, no further attacks have been reported there since May 17.

DP World Tour Sticks to Playoffs

Golfweek reported that a spokesperson for the DP World Tour confirmed that the two playoff tournaments are scheduled to take place in the UAE next month. The spokesperson told Golfweek, “It is our intention to hold the two playoff tournaments in the UAE next month as planned, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and seeking advice from our international travel advisors.”

The organizer is therefore basing its decision on safety assessments. According to the spokesperson, setup work at the venues—Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates—is progressing well. The HotelPlanner Tour had already held a tournament in the Emirates in early October.

Reactions from the Field

Matt Fitzpatrick, who won last year’s DP World Tour season finale, had previously expressed concerns about traveling to the Middle East. As reported, the Englishman has since announced that he will participate in the playoffs.

Dates and Facts at a Glance

• Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship: November 5–8, Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. Prize purse: $9 million; 9,000 Race to Dubai points; 2,000 Ryder Cup points
• DP World Tour Championship: November 12–15, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. Prize money: $10 million; 12,000 Race to Dubai points; 2,000 Ryder Cup points

The Asian Tour announced that it will soon release details regarding the remainder of the 2026 season and the 2027 calendar. Whether and when the PIF Saudi International will be rescheduled remains to be seen.