Johnson vs DeChambeau "Long Drive Battle in Saudi"... What About Mickelson?

‘Oil Dollar Power’ Clash at Saudi International, Mickelson Enters for 2nd Year, European Stars Casey and Hatton, McDowell Join

'Number 1' Dustin Johnson (left) and 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau will compete in a long drive battle at the Saudi International.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Long drive battle in Saudi Arabia."

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and ‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (both from the USA) are set to clash. The event is the European Tour Saudi International (total prize money $3.5 million), opening on the 4th (Korean time) at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia (par 70, 7,010 yards). Established in 2019, this tournament is famous for its ‘oil dollar power,’ offering huge sums such as invitation fees exceeding $1 million (?1.12 billion) and accommodations at 7-star hotels.

This year, besides Johnson and DeChambeau, top players including veteran Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Tony Finau (all from the USA) have gathered. Thirteen major champions and 29 Ryder Cup stars are shining on the field. Johnson is especially dominant, having won 24 PGA Tour titles including one major. Last November, he made headlines by winning the ‘Fall Masters’ by 5 strokes (20-under 268).

He also set a remarkable record for the lowest score in Masters history. This season, he has shown a steep upward trend, finishing in the ‘top 10’ three times in four tournaments. He ranks first in FedEx Cup points (1,018), earnings ($3,272,540), and scoring average (68.29). His main weapon is his powerful long drive, averaging 314.4 yards (5th place). He also has good course compatibility, having won the inaugural tournament two years ago by 2 strokes (19-under 261).

Last year, he finished second by 2 strokes (10-under 270). After taking a break following the Sentry Tournament, the first event of the new year last month, he returns after a month. With DeChambeau joining, a special match featuring major champions has been arranged. DeChambeau has collected seven trophies in total, including last September’s US Open win. Known as a ‘quirky golfer,’ he focuses on increasing muscle mass and adjusting driver loft and shaft length to boost distance.

This year, he leads the PGA Tour in long drive distance (329.2 yards), sometimes hitting over 400 yards. At the Sentry Tournament, he demonstrated actual power with a 414-yard drive. At the US Open, held at the notoriously difficult Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, he was the only player under par, achieving a 6-stroke victory (6-under 274). This is his first appearance since tying for 7th at the Sentry Tournament. His ‘Achilles heel’ is his putting index, which remains a variable.

Veteran Phil Mickelson challenges for the win at the Saudi International.

Mickelson created off-course buzz by choosing to compete in Saudi Arabia instead of the PGA Tour Phoenix Open held in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, during the same period. Last year, he finished tied for 3rd (9-under 271), competing for the title. Another point of interest is whether Paul Casey (England), the ‘Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion,’ will secure a second consecutive win. Tyrell Hatton (England), the ‘Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship champion,’ is aiming for his second win of the season, and defending champion Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) is seeking back-to-back titles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.