The 20 competitors have been finalized for the highly anticipated 36-hole finale at LIV Golf Promotions on Sunday, and the stakes are high as the top three finishers will secure coveted spots in the 2024 LIV Golf League.
Leading the pack is Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai, who impressed with an 8-under 64 during Saturday’s second round at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, placing him two shots ahead of his closest rivals.
Fresh off a recent victory at the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open, Prateeptienchai expressed his excitement at the prospect of qualifying for the 2024 LIV Golf League, stating, “It’s going to be awesome if I qualify for 2024 LIV Golf.”
The final four spots for Sunday’s field were determined by a thrilling five-man playoff among those finishing at 3 under. Laurie Canter, Kevin Chappell, and Kevin Yuan advanced after the first playoff hole, while Joel Stalter secured his spot with a birdie on the second playoff hole.
Reflecting on the intense playoff, Stalter commented, “It’s very intense because you’re playing elimination and then you start over again. Really getting into the final tomorrow was the big thing.”
Three former players from the 2023 LIV Golf League participated on Saturday. Jediah Morgan, the only one to advance after shooting 66, expressed his desire to return to the league, stating, “Obviously, I want to be back there. That’s where I want to play my golf.”
Among the 20 players who secured their spots is China’s 22-year-old amateur Sampson-Yunhe Zheng, who finished with a bogey-free 67 and ended with an eagle on the 18th hole. Zheng shared his sentiments, stating, “It would mean a lot. It would be very special. I want to stay in the present, just one shot at a time, and see what happens tomorrow.”
Scores are reset after Saturday, and the 20-man field will start from scratch when play begins on Sunday with a shotgun start at 7:15 a.m. local time (10:15 p.m. ET Saturday). The fourth round will commence in threesomes from two tees at approximately noon local time.
In addition to the top three earning LIV Golf spots, players who finish fourth through 10th (plus ties) will earn exemptions into the 2024 International Series sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The 36 holes are set to be an exciting and pressure-packed affair.
The diverse group of 20 players comes from various parts of the world, comprising full-time Asian Tour members, LIV Golf experience holders, and even an amateur player. Their collective ambition and drive are sure to make for an enthralling and competitive finale.
As the stage is set for the thrilling 36-hole showdown, the golfing world is eagerly anticipating the outcome. With so much at stake for these talented athletes, Sunday is shaping up to be an intense and enthralling day on the golf course.