Houthi attacks hit Saudi airport

Recent attacks by the Houthi rebels on Riyadh International Airport have raised concerns about the safety of events planned in Saudi Arabia, including the upcoming PIF Saudi International golf tournament.

Attack details and casualties

On October 10, missiles struck Riyadh International Khalid Airport, killing at least a dozen people and injuring over 300. Saudi Arabia faced another attack the following day, compounding the security challenges.

Golf tournament schedule unchanged

Despite the attacks, Saudi Arabia is set to host the PIF Saudi International from November 18 to 21 at the Riyadh Golf Club. This tournament is the final event of the 2026 Asian Tour season.

Tournament importance and safety concerns

The PIF Saudi International is a major event with a prize fund of 5 million dollars. The Asian Tour is closely monitoring the situation and has not ruled out relocating the tournament if necessary.

Asian Tour’s priorities and challenges

The Asian Tour emphasized that the safety of players, staff, and service teams is its top priority. The tour has faced challenges this season, including a reduced number of events and the withdrawal of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) as a major financial supporter.

Impact of PIF withdrawal

The PIF’s withdrawal led to the cancellation of the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School in Thailand. The tour has also formed a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour to navigate these challenges.