AR
Rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day of the 2025 Saudi Open, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.
Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for Arab talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.
Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players, ensuring the next Adam Bresnu or Shergo Al Kurdi have the environment, support, and world-class events required to reach their full potential. Bresnu’s impressive performance is a strong reflection of the competitive opportunities provided by the Arab Golf Federation, which continue to elevate Arab players onto major international stages. The Saudi Open — one of the region’s most important championships — remains a central platform in driving this progress.
Speaking about his round, Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”
Looking ahead, he added: “I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal. It’s a four-round tournament — day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”
Bresnu’s impressive performance is a strong reflection of the competitive opportunities provided by the Arab Golf Federation, which continue to elevate Arab players onto major international stages. The Saudi Open, one of the region’s most important championships, remains a central platform in driving this progress.
India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and hosted at Riyadh Golf Club, with an exceptional performance, setting a new course record of 64 (-8) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at Dirab Golf & Country Club.
The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard with confidence from the very start.
In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65 to close out the season-ending event on the Asian Tour.
The Saudi contingent are still in contention as they progress into day two, having played with commitment and professionalism, drawing on significant home support and reinforcing the nation’s long-term investment in developing world-class golf talent.
Saudi player Shergo Al Kurdi spoke proudly about competing in the Kingdom: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”
He also praised the national investment in player development: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”
Day one of the Saudi Open 2025 reaffirmed the tournament’s role as a competitive stage not only for Asian Tour professionals but for emerging Arab golfers pursuing a pathway to the sport’s summit.
As the championship moves into day two, all eyes remain on Bresnu, a young talent proving that the region’s next generation is ready to challenge at the very top.
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Main Image: Asian Tour / Golf Saudi
