Josele Ballester, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, delivered a landmark performance at Riyadh Golf Club, claiming the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers in commanding fashion. Competing in only his 10th professional start, Ballester fired a superb final-round 65 to close out a three-shot victory, stamping his arrival as a contender on the global stage.
Ballester began the day one shot back of overnight co-leaders Caleb Surratt and Dean Burmester. By the turn, he had surged ahead with a flawless front nine of three birdies and no bogeys. His composure continued on the closing stretch as he added three more birdies, including a firm strike on 16, cruising to victory in only his second event on The International Series.
Surratt, 21, returned a 69 to finish solo second, marking yet another close call after two previous runner-up finishes on The International Series. The American lamented a slow start, dropping shots early before recovering with a series of birdies, ultimately falling just short in pursuit of his maiden international victory.
South Africa’s Dean Burmester settled for third after a 71, while England’s Richard Bland posted a 68 to finish fourth. American Anthony Kim recorded his strongest finish since rejoining professional golf following a 12-year hiatus, closing with a 70 to tie for fifth.
A major storyline of the week was Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, who clinched the International Series Rankings title. It is his second career crown following his maiden triumph in 2022. The achievement guarantees his return to the LIV Golf League next year. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji secured second place in the rankings despite missing the cut, narrowly edging out Filipino contender Miguel Tabuena, who needed a top-six finish but ultimately tied for 11th.
Kazuki Higa of Japan retained his lead on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, with Vincent second and Tabuena third, positioning the final two events as compelling deciders.
The Asian Tour now advances to India for the Bharath Classic at Kensville Golf Resort in Ahmedabad, a fresh addition to the schedule jointly sanctioned with the newly established Indian Golf Premier League, a signal of the expanding competitive architecture of golf across Asia.
Ballester’s win places him firmly within the emerging generation of rising stars. His emotional reflection summed up the moment, a culmination of ambition, work ethic, and belief. The message was clear: his journey is only beginning, and the golf world should be ready for more.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour is celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful and diverse golf tour in the world. It has built a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries, managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
Since 2022, the International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.
The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. Also, it is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG), which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour – the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award-winning Sentosa Golf Club, a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
