Caleb Surratt has led or shared the lead for three rounds of the PIF Saudi International as he not only looks to make ammends for losing out in a play-off in the Saudi event a year ago but capture a maiden pro career title.
The 21-year-old American has superbly put himself in position to finish one place higher than a year ago thanks to rounds of 62, 66 and 68 to head to the final round remaining atop of the board tied with South African Dean Burmester at 17-under on the host Riyadh course.
Surratt had brilliantly produced 15 birdies over the opening two rounds and with just the lone bogey but as the course on day three was playing a little bit harder, so did it become tougher to tame and with the North Carolina born player strugging early with two bogeys in his opening four holes.
WITH REDEMPTION & ALSO SUCCESS …
The hopeful winning @asiantourgolf @SaudiIntlGolf mix for @calebsurratt1 @CallawayGolf heading into final round @SaudiGF_ @livgolf_league @IMGgolf
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— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) November 21, 2025
This opened the door on the rivals going from two clear and now trailing the likes of fellow LIV Golf stars Richard Bland, Anthony Kim, Josele Ballester, Dean Burmester and Adrian Meronk.
However, it was Burmester making the most noise including birdieing three of closing four holes in a 64 to snare the clubhouse lead before being joined two groups behind by Surratt for each to be officially in front on 17-under.
I must confess in my long years reporting on the ancient game, it’s always kind of nice to write about a player who, after being in control and leading for three rounds, proceeds to enjoy success. Of course, victory has to be earned and what a win it would be for Surratt who won three of his four matches to help the USA team close out rivals GB & I to capture the 2023 Walker Cup at St. Andrews.
Surratt was asked after today’s round how much ‘redemption’ it would be finish in front.
“Yeah, definitely. It would be nice to get some redemption, but regardless, I’ve done really well to put myself in the position I am in,” he said.
“I fought really hard and worked really hard to get to that. Almost no matter what happens, it feels like I could leave now because this week has already been a win with so many positives.
“The goal is to go out there and just continue to play my game tomorrow and see how the chips fall because I can’t control the other two guys”.
Surratt is a member of Jon Rahm captained Legion X111 GC side that also includes Tom McGibbon, the wire-to-wire winner of the recent Hong Kong Open.
How good would it be if Surratt could join his equally super-talented Irish-born Legion colleague also as a winner in season 2025.
