India’s Saptak Talwar delivered a standout performance on the opening day of the Saudi Open presented by PIF, firing a sensational course-record eight-under-par 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club. Playing in the final group as daylight faded, the 26-year-old from Delhi closed with a birdie on his last hole to cap a flawless round featuring four birdies on each nine.
Talwar, who turned professional in 2021, has played only a limited number of Asian Tour events. Yet his composed, bogey-free effort demonstrated impressive maturity. Taking advantage of unusually calm morning conditions, he embraced the opportunity to set the pace in the season-ending event.
Defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner John Catlin, alongside Australia’s Jack Thompson, sits one shot back after opening rounds of 65. A strong chasing pack including Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong and Jazz Janewattananond, Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, American Charles Porter, and Moroccan amateur Adam Bresnu posted 66s to remain firmly in contention.
Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun, playing alongside Talwar, appeared poised to match the lead before a late bogey at the ninth dropped him to 67. Japan’s Kazuki Higa opened with a steady 69 as he works to secure the 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit title. Making the cut would put him in control of the race, with challenger Scott Vincent needing a top-four finish after carding a 70.
Talwar entered the week with renewed confidence, having claimed his first professional win earlier this year at the Adani Invitational Golf Championship on his home course, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort. Reflecting on his round, he credited the benign conditions and a season of hard-earned experience across the European Challenge Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India.
While Talwar surged, Catlin, after a year marked by personal hardship, signaled a powerful return to form. The six-time Asian Tour winner admitted that his mother’s passing in late 2024 and the emotional toll of narrowly missing a spot on the LIV Golf League had affected his consistency. His bogey-free 65 marks an encouraging step forward as he prepares for the LIV Golf Promotions event in January.
Thompson, currently battling to retain his playing rights by finishing inside the top 65 on the Merit list, produced an eagle and five birdies in a pressure-filled round. The Australian credited sports psychologist Jonah Oliver, known for his work with major champion Cam Smith, for helping him manage the mental challenges of professional golf.
As the Saudi Open progresses, the storylines are rich: a rising Indian star setting the early benchmark, seasoned champions rediscovering their best form, and players fighting to secure their futures on the Tour.
The season finale promises a compelling finish, reflecting the competitive depth and global diversity that define the modern Asian Tour—a tour that continues to shape pathways through initiatives like The International Series and maintains its presence across more than 100 broadcast markets worldwide.
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