'Number 1' Kepka "Even Par Falters"... Wang Jeonghoon 3 Over Par

On the First Day of the Saudi International, McDowell and Green Share the Lead at 6 Under Par, Mickelson at 4 Under, Johnson at 3 Under

World No. 1 Brooks Koepka is taking a shot on the 15th hole on the first day of the Saudi International. King Abdullah Economic City (Saudi) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] World No.1 Brooks Koepka (USA) is feeling the pressure.

On the early morning of the 31st (Korean time), at the Royal Greens Golf Club (Par 70, 7,010 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, the first day of the European Tour Saudi International (total prize money $3.5 million) saw Koepka falter with an even-par score, dropping to a tie for 48th place. Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) and Gavin Green (Malaysia) surged with 6-under-par to share the lead, while Henrik Stenson (Sweden) and five other players are chasing closely at one stroke behind, tied for 3rd place (5-under-par 65).

Koepka swept three wins on the PGA Tour last year, including successfully defending his title at the second major, the PGA Championship, for the first time in 12 years. He added a unique charisma with top 5 finishes in all four majors: runner-up at the Masters and US Open, and tied 4th at The Open. However, his momentum was halted by knee surgery in October. After withdrawing following the second round of The CJ Cup, he made his comeback two weeks ago at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but finished tied for 34th.

For Koepka, regaining his competitive shot feel is crucial. On this day, his iron shots wavered, resulting in four birdies offset by four bogeys. He trails the leader by six strokes, so the chance to compete for the title remains. Veterans like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, part of the 'American contingent,' are key rivals. This tournament is a stage where world stars have flocked, attracted by huge appearance fees and luxurious accommodations at 7-star hotels. The 'oil dollar power' has shown its strength.

Mickelson drew even more spotlight by skipping the PGA Tour Phoenix Open held at the same time. Having attended Arizona State University near the Scottsdale Golf Course, the fierce battleground of the Phoenix Open, Mickelson had never missed it in 30 years, but ultimately money moved him. He finished the first round tied for 8th at 4-under-par, looking forward to the second round. Defending champion Johnson is tied for 14th at 3-under-par. He is recalling the thrilling memory of winning the inaugural event last year, powered by a 9-under-par second round.

‘Dubai Desert Classic champion’ Lucas Herbert (Australia) joined this group. The 24-year-old rookie secured his first win on the 26th after a playoff against Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa). His pinpoint iron shots, missing the green only three times, stood out. Last year’s runner-up Li Haotong (China) struggled, tied for 48th, making his redemption challenging. Korea’s Wang Jeong-hoon (25) is having a tough time, tied for 94th at 3-over-par, suffering a critical triple bogey on the 11th hole (par 3).

Phil Mickelson is taking a shot on the 15th hole on the first day of the Saudi International. King Abdullah Economic City (Saudi) = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits

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