Saudi star Salhab Makes Fast Start to Professional Life in Oman

Newly minted Saudi professional golfer, Faisal Salhab, made history in Muscat last weekend as he officially made the cut at the International Series Oman. It was just his second tournament since turning professional at this month’s PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

Salhab posted four consistent rounds of 77, 73, 78 and 72 to finish on an overall score of 300 (12 over  par) over four rounds. The Asian Tour tournament was open to professional and amateur golf players from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and saw 132 of the very best players from more than 20 countries compete. A cut was held at the end of day two, from which the best scoring 78 players, including Salhab, went forward to qualify for the last two rounds.

With prize money now at stake, Salhab managed to tame the stunning scenic coastline course of Al Mouj Golf by his second round, ensuring that the newly established professional wouldn’t leave the Sultanate empty handed. Despite a tricky third round, Al Mouj Golf was the perfect playground for some excellent golf from Salhab on the final day, during which he scored a level par 72. He left the tournament $4,400 the better as a result of his play.

Salhab could hardly believe he had made a cut so early in his professional career whilst competing alongside some of the leading professional players in the world, saying: "It is an amazing feeling to make the cut here in Oman, especially on a tricky links course and in light of the great competition and the high-level of golfers on show from the Asian Tour, which makes this achievement even more special for me."

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: "We have seen a remarkable performance over four days from Faisal Salhab in Oman. At Golf Saudi, we are delighted that Faisal managed to make the cut so early in his professional career. This confirms the great progress he made as an amateur in the Saudi National Team in recent years and we expect him to achieve great things in future in a professional capacity.

“Alongside fellow compatriot professionals, Othman Almulla and Saud Alsharif, Salhab continues to be supported by both the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, serving as a role model for those across Saudi Arabia who want to get into golf.”

After an incredibly successful amateur career, which saw Salhab win two events during 2021 in the MENA region, including the PIF Saudi Open, he took the decision to make the jump to the pro game alongside countryman Alsharif earlier this month at Royal Greens. Going forward, Salhab will enjoy a full schedule of events on the Asian Tour, competing in the International Series Qatar later this week, before venturing further east to the International Series in Thailand.