India’s Saptak Talwar stole the spotlight on the first day of the Saudi Open presented by PIF, firing a bogey-free, eight-under-par 64 to set a course record at Dirab Golf & Country Club. Talwar birdied his final hole in fading light to secure the first-round lead in the season-ending Asian Tour event.

The 26-year-old from Delhi has only competed in a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, but he made a statement with four birdies on each nine to take full advantage of calm conditions.

Talwar leads after record-setting round

American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson are tied for second with rounds of 65. Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong and Jazz Janewattananond, Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, American Charles Porter, and Moroccan amateur Adam Bresnu are next in line after shooting 66.

Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun played alongside Talwar in the final group, reaching seven under on the ninth hole but faltered with a bogey after failing to get up and down from the edge of the green. Japan’s Kazuki Higa shot 69 to tie for 24th as he seeks to wrap up the Asian Tour Order of Merit title, while Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, second on the list, returned a 70.

Talwar eyes momentum, Catlin seeks recovery

Talwar, who claimed his first professional win this year at the Adani Invitational Golf Championship in India, credited his preparation and calm mindset for his stellar round. “I was honestly anticipating some wind today,” he said. “Coming in this morning it was quiet, so I hoped it would stay like that. Happy to get off to a good start and take advantage of the calmer conditions.”

Catlin, meanwhile, showed signs of recovery after a difficult season marked by personal setbacks, including the passing of his mother in October 2024 and narrowly missing a LIV Golf League spot. The American produced a bogey-free round with seven birdies, signaling a return to form. “I feel much stronger now. I feel like I’ve processed a lot and I’m enjoying this week,” he said.

Jack Thompson, sitting in 62nd place on the Order of Merit, also had a strong start, posting an eagle and five birdies without dropping a shot. He credited sessions with sports psychologist Jonah Oliver for helping him manage the pressures of securing his playing rights for next season.

The Saudi Open continues with the second round tomorrow, where Talwar will look to build on his course-record start and maintain his lead heading into the weekend.