Shaun Norris invited to star-studded Saudi field

King Abdullah Economic City - South Africa's Shaun Norris has been named as one of 11 sponsors' invitations added to the world-class field at the forthcoming Saudi International.

The line-up already boasts four of the world's top five players, seven Major champions and eight players from last year's Ryder Cup at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club from January 31 to February 3.

Norris has been making waves on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour circuit with a win last year at the Heiwa PGM Championship in November.

The 36-year-old finished second on Japan's Order of Merit standings last season and is currently ranked 79th on the world golf rankings.

Eight of the invited players are aged 25 and under, as the Saudi Golf Federation aims to provide the next generation of international talent with an opportunity to make a breakthrough on golf’s greatest stage.

Four-time European Tour winner Matteo Manassero is also included as an invitee in the field.

"I'm delighted to receive an invite to this ground-breaking event, it is always exciting to visit a new country and experience a new challenge, especially when it means playing against four of the world's top five. This will be my first European Tour event of year and I am grateful to the Saudi Golf Federation for the opportunity," said Manassero.

Invited players to Saudi International:

Shergo Kurdi, (am) JORDAN, Age 15

Rayhan Thomas, INDIA, Age 19

Saud Al Sharee (am), KSA, Age 19

Min Woo Lee, AUSTRALIAN, Age 20

Todd Clements, ENGLAND, Age 22

Matthew Jordan, ENGLAND, Age 23

AbdulRahman Al Mansour (am), KSA, Age 24

Matteo Manassero, ITALIAN, Age 25

Alfie Plant, ENGLAND, Age 26

Othman Al mulla, KSA, Age 32

Shaun Norris, SOUTH AFRICA, Age 36