The PIF Saudi International 2025, the flagship finale of the Asian Tour’s International Series, has once again delivered drama, elite scoring, and a leaderboard stacked with the biggest names in modern golf. But for Indian golf fans, one moment stood out above all: Anirban Lahiri’s spectacular eight-under 63 in Round 2, a performance that not only rescued his tournament but also reaffirmed his standing as one of the most consistent Asian players on the global stage.
Held at the revamped Riyadh Golf Club, boasting a US$5 million purse, this year’s edition has evolved into a battleground where careers are reshaped, LIV Golf futures are secured, and reputations are made. And Lahiri India’s top performer in the LIV Golf ecosystem once again showed why he belongs among the world’s elite.
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The PIF Saudi International has grown beyond a single week of golf. Thanks to the US$300 million partnership between LIV Golf and the Asian Tour, this event now serves as the final proving ground for players seeking promotion into the 2026 LIV Golf League. Two spots are available for non-LIV players, and the strength of the field reflects the stakes.
Superstars like Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Anthony Kim, Tyrrell Hatton, and Dean Burmester were all in the draw. The presence of so many LIV roster players underscores the tournament’s dual role: a prestige event and a pressure-filled qualifier.
Round 2: Lahiri’s Masterpiece
After an even-par opening round, Anirban Lahiri needed something special to stay in the tournament. He delivered one of the rounds of the season a flawless, disciplined, and aggressive 63 that propelled him from T81 to T12, a staggering 69-place leap.
His card included:
- 9 birdies
- 6 birdies on the back nine
- A clutch recovery after his only bogey on the 14th
- A birdie-birdie-birdie closing stretch across 15, 16, and 18
This was textbook Lahiri: smart positioning, patient putting, and ice-cold nerve. His surge demonstrated how elite golfers respond under pressure and highlighted his ongoing value to Crushers GC and the international circuit.
The Leaders: Surratt and Burmester in a Heavyweight Duel. While Lahiri climbed, the tournament’s main storyline shifted toward a captivating battle at the top.
Caleb Surratt: Consistent, patient, and chasing redemption
The 21-year-old American ended Round 2 at 14-under, leading by one. With multiple podium finishes on the International Series in 2024, and still hunting his first pro win, Surratt kept himself in control through a tactical Round 3 (68).
Dean Burmester: The power player on the charge
The South African delivered a bogey-free 64 in Round 3 to join Surratt at 17-under, setting up a final-round showdown. Burmester’s recent LIV win in Chicago and his ability to go low from anywhere make him one of the most dangerous closers in the field.
Their contrasting styles, Surratt’s patience vs. Burmester’s aggression—promise a gripping finish.
A Leaderboard Dominated by LIV Contingent. The top of the board reflects the evolving structure of global golf. After 54 holes:
- Top 7 players: All current LIV Golf members or affiliates
- 23 LIV players made the cut
- The International Series continues proving itself as the strongest pathway into LIV Golf
Names like Anthony Kim, Tyrrell Hatton, Richard Bland, and Adrian Meronk remained in the top tier, all within striking distance. For Anthony Kim who faces relegation pressure his position inside the top four has huge career implications. Spain’s Josele Ballester, sitting one shot behind the leaders at 16-under, is the lone non-LIV threat in the top three. His performance shows the meritocratic nature of the International Series pathway.
Why Lahiri’s Position Still Matters
Even though Lahiri isn’t in the top-five battle, his projected finish around T12 still secures:
- A significant six-figure cheque (minimum US$81,250)
- Critical Asian Tour ranking points
- Continued visibility within the LIV structure
More importantly, his ability to deliver world-class rounds the 63 being one of the lowest rounds shot all week—reinforces his consistency and competitiveness on the biggest stages. Players like Lahiri rely on such performances to maintain long-term prominence in a golf ecosystem that is rapidly evolving.
The Bigger Picture: Golf’s New World Order. The PIF Saudi International stands at the crossroads of two eras of global golf:
- The traditional Asian Tour
- The new, financially powered LIV Golf framework
With $1 million on offer to the winner and 22 OWGR points projected, the event is much more than an end-of-season tournament it is a gateway to massive contracts, tour exemptions, ranking climbs, and career security. For Saudi Arabia, the tournament further solidifies its strategic goal of becoming a global golf destination. For the Asian Tour, it represents the success of its transformation into a top-tier international circuit.
As the final round approaches, the storylines are rich:
- Surratt chasing his first big win
- Burmester pushing to reaffirm his LIV dominance
- Ballester trying to clinch a LIV promotion spot
- Lahiri proving once again that he remains one of Asia’s elite competitors
The 2025 PIF Saudi International has delivered everything modern golf now promises money, pressure, global stakes, and a level of competition that tests the very limits of elite performance.
It is more than a tournament. It is where careers shift, futures are secured, and stars like Anirban Lahiri show why they remain essential to the global game.
