Salhab makes the cut in Japan to show Saudi progress

Faisal Salhab’s steady rise in form continued this week at the International Series Japan presented by Moutai, where the Saudi golfer proudly made his first cut in two years on the Asian Tour.

It marked a major step forward for the 27-year-old, whose last weekend appearance came at the 2023 edition of International Series Oman.

The 26-year-old was already on the cut line at par going into the last on day two after two birdies and three bogeys, but hit a sensational eagle with his approach to move to two under on his final hole and confirm his passage to the weekend at Caledonian Golf Club.

Though Saturday proved a tougher test, Faisal remained composed and will be looking to regroup and finish strong on Sunday. He will start the day ready on two over, eager to climb up the leaderboard.

Salhab said: “I’ve put in a lot of work over the past couple of years, and it’s always been so close, missing out by just one shot a few times. So to finally get it done, and not just on the number but by a couple, felt really good.”

“The way I finished yesterday was really solid,” he reflected. “If I had to pick one area that’s improved the most, I’d say my driving, I’m almost always in play off the tee, and my iron play has been excellent. Putting’s still been a bit of a letdown, but I’m heading straight to the putting green now to work on it.”

A key element in Salhab’s development has been the ongoing support of Golf Saudi, whose long-term investment in player development and international exposure has paid dividends.

“They’ve done a great job,” he said. “They’ve always been supportive, but recently we’ve brought together a really strong team, great coaches, solid support staff, and that’s made a big difference. The structure they’ve put in place and the work we’ve all been putting in are starting to show.”

Salhab is part of a wave of Saudi talent coming through, and he spoke proudly of fellow national teammates, including Khalid Attieh, who narrowly missed the cut in Japan on the last hole on Saturday.

“I had a great teammate out here too, Khalid. He played really well all week and just missed out by one, which was really unfortunate. We were all rooting for him. It’s always great to see more of us out here, competing and doing well.”

He added, “For the other guys too, Saud Al Sharif, Shergo Al Kurdi, and Othman Almulla, hopefully they’re getting close as well. It would be amazing if next time we’re all not just making the cut but in contention together.”

Salhab, who won the 2021 Saudi Open and added another title at the 40th Pan Arab Championships in Cairo, sees The International Series as a crucial proving ground for players like himself.

“It’s incredible. You can put in all the hard work, but you need a stage to test it, and The International Series provides that,” he explained. “You’re up against some of the best players in the world, and if you can compete here, you can compete anywhere.”

Salhab also reflected on the impact of global events coming to Saudi Arabia, including the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, where he and his teammates had the opportunity to play alongside LIV Golf League stars like Joaquin Niemann, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith.

“I think it’s amazing for us to have the best in the world come to Saudi Arabia. Having those stars play in front of the local youth is huge,” he said. "It shows them what’s possible, it inspires them to pick up a club and dream big. It still inspires me, and I’m confident it will inspire the next generation too.”

“With the Asian Tour and International Series bringing more high-caliber events to Saudi, the opportunities keep growing. It’s incredible to be part of that.”

Looking ahead to The International Series stop in Saudi this year, Salhab remains optimistic and determined.

“Of course I want to compete, and of course I want to be at the top,” he said. “I’m confident and hopeful, and I’m putting in the hard work. It’s not easy, nothing is out here, but you’ve got to keep fighting. You never know what’s written for you.”

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