Race for The International Series Rankings title nears end with Uihlein leading
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – LIV Golf reserve player Ben Campbell is still in the hunt for The International Series Rankings title and the coveted spot on the 2025 LIV Golf League with just one round of the season left to play.
After carding a 7-under of 64 to sit three behind current rankings leader Peter Uihlein of RangeGoats GC and four back of Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann, who admitted he would have to “go out and win this” at the season-ending PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Riyadh Golf Club.
Uihlein carded a 5-under 66 to finish T2 at 16-under for the week, one behind Niemann who carded a 6-under 65, and alongside Legion XIII's Caleb Surratt who shot a sensational 10-under 61 with eight birdies and an eagle.
Campbell needs to finish at the top of the rankings to secure a place on the LIV Golf League next season. He is going into the final round of a long campaign and has his sights firmly on Uihlein. LIV Golf reserve player John Catlin is in second place on the rankings and needs a miracle after a disappointing 70 in Round 3.
“Peter's (Peter Uihlein) a great player, so you know I have got to really try to go out and win this," Campbell said. "Not much is going to change. You have just got to hit the greens, fairways to greens, and try to hole a few putts. It is hopefully going to be a good round tomorrow.
“It is always in your mind (The International Series Rankings). You show up tomorrow, and either it is going to be good or it is not. You prepare as well as you can and you try your hardest, and if it is good enough, it is good enough.”
Campbell recorded a win at International Series Morocco earlier this year and has since then recorded three top-10 finishes. He also has the experience of playing as an alternate on the LIV Golf League all season.
“It has been a great year," Campbell said. "I have taken away a lot from the year. I have learnt a lot. It has given me a lot of confidence this year, spending time around LIV Golf, being around some of those players. I picked up on a couple of little things. ... I think especially the last two or three years it has been trending the right way. I found a swing that my body seems to like a little bit more and I have been playing some really consistent golf. It is nice when you are feeling like you are there or thereabouts."
M.J. Maguire, ranked sixth in the rankings, is at 9 under for the week after a steady 2-under 69 in Round 3. He will need to deliver a standout performance in the final round to climb both the leaderboard and the rankings.
Chinese Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po is fifth in the rankings and is another shot further back in this event at 8 under. Canadian Richard T Lee is in fourth on the rankings and is 5 under for the week.
All will have another chance to win a LIV Golf golden ticket at the LIV Golf Promotions event which takes place next week at this same venue, Riyadh Golf Club.
The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers takes place from 4-7 December at Riyadh Golf Club. For more information, check www.internationalseries.com.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)