Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Pablo Larrazábal is the latest high-profile professional player to join the Golf Saudi ranks as an International Golfing Ambassador.

Larrazábal joins fellow-Spaniard Adri Arnaus from the European Tour, and Britain’s Amy Boulden and Swede Camilla Lennarth from the Ladies European Tour, in representing Golf Saudi in its extensive efforts to promote the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia internationally as an exceptional golfing nation.

“We are privileged to have been able to appoint Pablo as an official Golf Saudi Ambassador. Pablo has taken a keen interest in our progress and we are lucky to have him on-board to support our on-going development,” said Majed Al Sorour, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Saudi, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Watching him play in this year’s Saudi International, I was able to see first-hand his immense ability on the golf course and we look forward to developing a strong working partnership and gaining his insights, particularly when it comes to attracting young Saudis to the game,” added Al Sorour.

Larrazábal said: “I feel honoured to be part of the Golf Saudi team and I look forward to sharing the many wonders of Saudi Arabia with my golf fans. I love travelling to the Middle East and playing in tournaments there, a region where I have a strong record.

“Having played in this year’s Saudi International it’s clear that the golfing community is really making a foothold in the Kingdom.

“As a Golf Saudi ambassador, I’d like to play a first-hand role in growing the game there, particularly with the younger generations. It’s important for golf to expand in new markets if our sport is to continue to grow and develop a sustainable legacy.”

Born in Barcelona, Larrazábal started playing golf aged five and under the tutelage of his mother, became a scratch-handicapper. He has been a prominent figure on the European Tour for over a decade, having burst onto the scene in his rookie season.

Playing in 28 events and making 17 cuts, Larrazábal earned the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award in 2008, after winning the Open de France to cement a prolific start to his career.

Larrazábal has gone on to win four additional titles, including the BMW International Open in 2011 and 2015. He has also enjoyed success in the Middle East on the Desert Swing, winning the 2014 edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Ranked outside the top-100 at the time, Larrazábal overcome both Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickleson, posting a closing five-under-par 67 to triumph by a single shot.

Last December, Larrazábal ended a four-and-a-half year wait for his fifth title with victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Overcoming a series of painful blisters on the final day, he made three birdies on his last four holes to secure a dramatic one-stroke victory.

Following his victory at the end of 2019, Larrazábal’s good form continued into 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic halted play worldwide. He tied for seventh at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and was joint 13th at the Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers.