Vincent looks to stay in the moment at PIF Saudi International

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent arrives at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers in a position every player wants — and one he is determined not to overplay.

Sitting at the top of The International Series Rankings with 325.59 points, Vincent holds a 40.29-point lead over Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and a 93.31-point advantage over Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines as the race enters its decisive week in Riyadh.

The International Series Morocco champion is widely viewed as the frontrunner for one of the two golden tickets to next season’s LIV Golf League. But with elevated points on offer at this week’s US$5 million finale, the stakes are higher than ever, and the leaderboard could shift dramatically before Saturday evening.

Adding to the intensity is a world-class field of LIV Golf stars returning to Riyadh. Defending champion Joaquin Niemann, International Series Macau presented by Wynn winner Carlos Ortiz and Lucas Herbert, who won International Series Japan presented by Moutai, are three big names to watch. Former World No.1 Dustin Johnson , 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed, who won the Green Jacket the following year, are also in a stacked field that will leave no margin for error as the season reaches its climax.

Yet despite the pressure, Vincent remains grounded, composed, and focused on what has brought him success throughout the year: discipline, patience, and process.

The Zimbabwean highlighted his closing 66 at Riyadh Golf Club last year as a target this week.

“Yeah, that’s a good score," he said. "If I could do something like that again, that would be amazing. I don’t remember every detail, but 66 is a great score, especially on a golf course like this.”

As the field gets to grips with a slightly altered layout this year, Vincent is already deep in study mode.

“It’s a work in progress," Vincent said. "We’re studying and learning the course. The setup is a little different this year — much better conditions. The rough is tougher and there’s more sand outside the rough, so there’s definitely a premium on keeping it in play. Maybe not as aggressive off the tee as in the past. But the greens are fantastic, so it’s going to play nicely.”

Five consecutive weeks on the road would drain any athlete, but Vincent’s mindset remains steady as he reaches the end of this demanding stretch.

“Yeah, this last stretch has been a good one," Vincent said. "Five weeks on the road is long, but we get a nice break after this. There’s nothing in particular I’m trying to push — just maintaining everything, keeping strong. I’m not trying to do anything flashy. I just want to stick to the process, hit it from here to there, and plot my way around this golf course. Right now, it’s just about getting the game ready and seeing where it puts us.”

While the focus is firmly on securing a direct qualification place for LIV Golf, the implications of this week extend even further. The results in Riyadh will also be a decisive factor in determining who earns a spot at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida, where two additional league places will be up for grabs in early January.

(Photo courtesy of Asian Tour)