Golf’s Asian Tour has indefinitely postponed its season-ending PIF Saudi International in Riyadh, moving beyond the security review first reported earlier this week.

What changed: The tour said Friday that organizational and logistical challenges made it necessary to postpone the November 18–21 tournament. No replacement date was announced.

Flagship event removed from November schedule

The $5-million tournament was scheduled for Riyadh Golf Club and is one of the Asian Tour’s most important events. Commissioner Cho Minn Thant said the circuit hopes its players can compete in Riyadh in the future, but the statement did not establish when that could happen.

The event had remained on the calendar when the tour told Reuters on October 13 that it was monitoring developments. Friday’s decision is therefore a material change, not a routine schedule confirmation.

Deadly airport attack preceded decision

The postponement follows attacks on Saudi airports and other infrastructure. Reuters reported that an attack on Riyadh’s international airport last weekend killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility.

The tour attributed its decision to the practical challenges of staging the event and did not announce a cancellation. The reporting reviewed does not establish that the attack occurred at Riyadh Golf Club or that tournament facilities were damaged.

Security disruption spreads across sports calendar

Other organizers have also changed plans. FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation postponed the FIFAe Finals that had been scheduled in Jeddah from October 16 to 25, while the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition was moved to late December. Asian Cup organizers have continued preparations for the football tournament scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Canadian travel warning remains in place

The Government of Canada advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia because of the volatile regional security situation. Travellers should follow current government, airline and organizer information rather than rely on the original golf schedule.

Sources: Reuters, October 16; Reuters, October 13; Government of Canada travel advice; Wikimedia Commons image page.

Lead image: Dirab Golf & Country Club in Riyadh Province, photographed by HK Woo in 2009 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. File photo; not Riyadh Golf Club or the postponed tournament.