KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Thomas Pieters shot 7-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead on Thursday after the first round at the Saudi International, a new European Tour event being held amid scrutiny of the kingdom's human-rights record and condemnation following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The tournament has attracted the world's top three players: Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson. None are within four shots of the lead, with No. 3-ranked Johnson faring best after a 68.
Koepka shot 69 and Rose bogeyed the last hole for an even-par 70.
Pieters made seven birdies and was bogey-free around the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
Among the six players tied for second place on 5 under par was Alfie Plant, who went out in 28 — after seven birdies in his first nine holes — but didn't pick up another shot coming home.
Rose and other top players have avoided discussing the political ramifications of the European Tour taking an event to Saudi Arabia for the first time, just as the kingdom is under the microscope. Rose said on Wednesday he was happy to play so he could help "support growing the game" in the Middle East.
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