Travis Smyth is enjoying a fine 2026, with the Australian claiming the biggest win of his career on the Asian Tour at the International Series Japan.

He also claimed victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia and made his second Major appearance at the PGA Championship, with the Ping staffer putting his set-up to good use throughout the season.

Speaking at International Series Morocco, Smyth went through his full what's in the bag, starting with a Ping G440 Max driver, which possesses a 9° head that's set nearer to 10°.

The reason why his driver is set up nearer to 10° is to "help with spin and keeping the ball in the air," he states. Along with the head, Smyth pairs the driver with a Fujikura Ventus Blue TR 6 X shaft.

In terms of fairway woods, Smyth tweaks this area of the bag regularly. He carries a mini driver, which replaces the 3-wood some weeks, whilst he also uses a 3-hybrid that replaces a 7-wood.

His mini driver of choice a Ping Prototype, while his 3-wood is a G440 Max. In terms of his hybrid, which Smyth calls "one of his favorite clubs in the bag," that's a standard G430, while his 7-wood is another G440 Max.

According to Smyth: "I love the mini driver, but it's not the easiest to get off the ground, compared to the regular 3-wood.

"If it's a course where there's par 5s, and I need the 3-wood to hit the greens, then I'll keep that in the bag as it's much easier to hit off different lies."

Shaft-wise, he uses a mix of Fujikura Ventus Blue and Black models.

Moving to the irons, where Smyth uses a Ping iDi utility iron, but in a 4-iron configuration.

Providing a strong amount of forgiveness, Smyth then uses Ping Blueprint S from 5-iron to pitching wedge, with the set one of the best Ping irons money can buy.

He did previously use the Blueprint T in 7-iron to pitching wedge, but changed the set-up last year, due to the fact that the Blueprint S were easier and more forgiving to hit.

"I've always used the latest equipment from Ping, as it has always been a very easy transition," explains Smyth, who uses Ping s259 wedges in a 50°, 55° and 60° configuration.

"I've got them in a raw finish. The reason being when you lay the club down, the reflection comes up and bounces back into your eyes. In the raw finish, though, you don't have that."

Shaft-wise, both his irons and wedges have Nippon NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 130 X shafts.

The final club in Smyth's bag is the putter, with the Asian Tour winner using a Ping PLD Ally Blue Onset, a club he describes as a "game changer."

A zero-torque model, Smyth states: "I used this head before in a regular neck and I loved it. They then came out with the center-shafted model and I asked Ping to send me it.

"I didn't get properly fitted, but it felt amazing and it's really helped my putting, which was letting me down for a couple of years. It felt like I could really contend in tournaments with it in the bag."

Rounding out the full what's in the bag is the golf ball, with Smyth using a Titleist Pro V1, a model that has been in the bag for the whole of his professional career.

Travis Smyth WITB: Full Specs

In 2017, Branden Grace made history when he became the first man to shoot a 62 at a Major, with his third round at The Open Championship including eight birdies and 10 pars.

Claiming 15 wins worldwide over four different circuits, the South African has enjoyed a fine career over the last two decades, with Grace using a traditional set-up to do so.

An equipment-free agent, Grace sat down with Golf Monthly to explain what's in the bag and you can check out the video below...

At the top end of the bag, Grace uses a TaylorMade driver, 3-wood and 7-wood, with the driver and 3-wood being the Qi4D, while the 7-wood is the slightly older Qi35.

The driver features in an 8° loft and has a UST Mamiya Lin-Q shaft in it, specifically a PowerCore White 6 X. The shaft is a new addition to Grace's bag, and was put in-play around May 2026.

Moving to the fairway woods, with the 3-wood set at 15° and the 7-wood at 21°. Both models are among the best TaylorMade fairway woods money can buy, and both are used by many notable names.

For Grace, the move to TaylorMade fairway woods came in 2025, with the 38-year-old explaining why he still has the older Qi35 in-play, stating: "I just like the look of it and the feel of it.

"I feel, with a 7-wood, especially par 5s and longer par 4s, I can get the ball more higher and landing more softer. I almost call it the cheating club because it's so easy to hit."

Revealing the move to the Qi4D was an easy transition, hitting a few shots and putting it straight in the bag, his 3-wood and 7-wood possess Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shafts.

In terms of irons and wedges, Grace uses Callaway X Forged from 4-iron all the way down to sand wedge.

Grace states: "Throughout my whole career I've enjoyed having the irons and the wedges the same for feel. A lot of guys will use Callaway irons and Titleist wedges, or TaylorMade and Titleist etc.

"I just feel that the feel is very different, so I'm always trying to keep it the same."

The X Forged wedges are a new addition to the bag, as are the X Forged irons, where Grace previously used the 2013 version of them.

Introducing the new irons in 2025, the one aspect that has remained the same is the shaft, with the South African using a Project X 6.5. "I like the feel and like the flight it gives me," he explains.

"I don't like to tinker a lot with the irons and wedges, but I have tinkered with the woods."

Although Grace has put in the Forged X wedges in a 52° and 56°, he continues to use the Callaway Jaws lob wedge in a 60°.

A few years older than the Forged X, Grace states: "It's one that I feel very comfortable in and I'm struggling to change it.

"I am on my second to last Jaws wedge, though, as they've stopped making these, so I'm taking the process a little slower, in terms of practicing with it."

Returning back to TaylorMade, Grace's final club in the bag is a Spider Tour putter, specifically a broomstick model that was put in-play a few years ago.

Putting it in the bag at the International Series Morocco, the former Presidents Cup player explained that: "I wanted to put something (in the bag) that had a quicker feel off the face. Because of the slower greens, I felt this was the right week to try that."

Finishing up with the golf ball, where Grace uses the Titleist Pro V1x from 2019.

"I struggle making big changes," states Grace. "Things have changed and I'm more of an old-school player, hence why I use the '19 version.

"It has a lower ball flight and more spin. Before this one I used the '17 version of the Pro V1x, which they stopped making, so I was forced to go into the '19. That was the closest one I could find to the '17."

Branden Grace WITB: Full Specs

Bubba Watson is one of the game's biggest characters, with his larger than life personality being shown through his equipment set-up.

Having used Ping golf clubs since he was the age of eight, the two-time Major winner has a rather unique bag of clubs, including 13-year-old irons and grips that possess an insane amount of wraps, between eight-to-13 layers.

Along with that portion of his set-up, there's still the bright pink driver head, as well as a wedge model that was released in 2017.

Speaking in an exclusive with Golf Monthly, Watson went through his golf bag at the International Series Morocco, a tournament he narrowly missed out winning.

Check out his full equipment set-up below, as well as the video of Watson going through his bag above.

Driver

Beginning with the driver, with Watson using the Ping G440 Max in traditional pink and black colorway, as well as a 'Bubba' stamp on the crown.

Shaft-wise, the American uses a Project X HZRDUS RDX Black 60, which has been in-play for some time, with the grip set slightly open so that he can hit a consistent cut off the tee.

"I usually go with the new driver because of the new technology," Watson told Golf Monthly, with the Ping G440 Max one of the best, and most forgiving, drivers money can buy.

Fairway Wood

Although Watson uses the newest Ping driver, he still opts for the older Ping G430 Max fairway wood, which is still one of the best Ping fairway wood models on the market.

A Project X HZRDUS RDX Black 80 shaft is present, with the color once again involving pink. Set at 15°, it's the only fairway wood in Watson's bag, a configuration he's had for some time.

Utility Iron

Depending on course set-up, Watson will implement a 2-iron, with a Ping iBlade joining the bag.

"When we built it, it's almost like a 1-iron," explains Watson. "We built it a little stronger so, off the tee, like when we played Valderrama, I can keep it low with the wind."

He added, it's "my debate when I go to every golf course. Is it a 2-iron or is it a 3-iron? How far are the par 3s? What kind of hole shapes are there?"

When Watson does use it, we believe it features a Fujikura Ventus Black shaft.

Irons

Watson claims that he "likes to keep with equipment he knows," which is shown via his irons, specifically the Ping S55, a model released all the way back in 2013.

Still used by the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick, Watson has the S55 in a 3-iron to 9-iron configuration, and occasionally uses the S55 pitching wedge, also.

Featuring True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts, the reason why Watson still has these irons in the bag is because of turf interaction.

Speaking to Golf Monthly, the American stated: "Sometimes they have a sharper edge and a thinner sole. So I need the old school irons that help me get the ball in the air as I get older."

Wedges

Moving to the scoring section of the bag, where you will find Ping Glide 2.0 wedges, which feature in a 52°, 56° and 60°.

At the time of recording, Watson had been experimenting with a new lob wedge, with the two-time Major winner revealing that his current gamer had been in the set-up for two years.

"I use a lob wedge everywhere, so I'm trying to get the lob wedge to feel right..." he says. "The new wedge is getting there, but it doesn't have the old school feel, so it takes me a while to put in a new lob wedge."

Shaft-wise, you'll find the same True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 in-play.

Putter

The final club in Watson's bag is the putter, specifically a Ping Tyne H, a mallet-fang design which has been in the set-up for around a year to 18 months.

"I've always hit putts short and not put enough pace on them," explained Watson. "I wanted to go to a heavier head so that the ball would roll out a bit better. I let (Ping's) engineers give me a putter that would help me get the ball to roll a little bit further."

In fact, speaking at LIV Golf UK in 2025, Watson revealed that part of the inspiration for a putter change came from fellow Range Goats GC player, Peter Uihlein, who said that Watson should work on a consistent putting stroke.

Speaking at JCB Golf & Country Club, Watson stated: "He (Uihlein) told me a couple things to do, a couple of training aids, a couple of different things to use. Then I went back to the Ping engineers and asked them what kind of putter do I need.

"I need something that can hit it harder but also keep the ball on line if you mis-hit it. So we went to a mallet. I got a mallet, a Tyne putter, and it's working so far."

Golf Ball

Rounding out Watson's WITB is the golf ball, where he uses the Titleist Pro V1x, arguably the best golf ball money can buy.

"I'm not good enough to tell the difference," explains Watson. "All the pros have different versions of the Pro V1, whereas I just hit it.

"We use them on the range anyway, so by the time we have a new ball out we've been hitting it on the range, chipping with it anyway."

Bubba Watson WITB: Full Specs

It’s been a superb week here in Morocco for the International Series event at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m a cynical sort but immediately after typing that preceding sentence and reading it back, I realised it was true.

In fact, this has been one of the very best golf tournaments I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. There’s been a brilliant atmosphere through the week and a general sense that everybody is doing something positive and having a good time. That’s a nice environment to be in and around.

It was a thrilling competitive spectacle with Bubba back to his (near) best and coming oh so close to stepping back into the winners’ circle. He was only beaten by brilliance from Taichi Kho of Hong Kong.

These are the five things that have impressed me most at my first International Series event.

The Standard of Play

It’s high. Obviously, you have some very experienced players in the field -major champions like Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia. But the general standard is exceptional. Watching any of the players on this challenging course, my (slightly) trained eye doesn’t discern a difference between them and the best on the PGA and DP World Tours.

I’ve seen some golfers out there this week who I think have the potential to secure a big win at the very highest level. Travis Smyth looks to me to have the “x factor.” He has a complete game, and he swings the club beautifully.

Others who I think play at the very highest level include Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, also Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho (the eventual champion). Those are all players I wouldn’t be surprised to see winning a major.

The Spectator Experience

It’s brilliant to watch golf of such quality. But what really makes it special is the fact you have such access as a spectator at this event. You can get right up close on the putting green and practice ground.

Then, on the course, although there are ropes, they are generous and there are always good vantage points around tees and greens to see everything.

I followed Bubba Watson for a round and saw every single shot as if I was inside the ropes (I wasn’t. I promise.)

The Level of Organisation

I’ve been fortunate in years gone by to have attended a number of Asia Pacific Amateur Championships and Latin America Amateur Championships. I’ve always said that, as they are co-organised by The R&A, The Masters and (with the Latin America) the USGA too, they are the best run tournaments in world golf – small but perfectly formed.

Well, the International Series comes pretty close. The team putting this together are phenomenal and they do a thoroughly superb job. Everything is planned and functions smoothly. Transport, timings, the media centre, scoring, food… everything is spot on.

The Quality of the Course

The Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is one of the best championship golf courses I’ve ever seen. It’s a brilliant challenge and it’s in immaculate condition.

Two things I love about the Robert Trent Jones design, particularly for tournament golf – First, it’s tree lined and shaped on every hole so it really suits the shot maker. That means it identifies the most skilful golfers.

Second – the green complexes are amazing. They are hugely undulating with multiple pin options, either punishing or generous. It’s just a great test and the players seem to love it.

The Camaraderie

These guys are competing with one another and they, of course, are trying to beat the hell out of the opposition. But that doesn’t prevent them being pals.

I’ve loved seeing the camaraderie between the players this week. They all travel together, eat together, face the challenges of being a touring professional golfer together. That’s refreshing to see.

There’s also a great rapport between the tournament staff and the players. They all know each other well and share the experiences of travelling the world with the International Series.

I have loved every minute of my first International Series tournament and I very much hope I will have the chance to attend more of them in future.

The International Series Morocco event came down to the 72nd hole, with Taichi Kho getting the better of LIV Golf's Bubba Watson.

A low scoring day yielded an exciting finish at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam golf club, with 25-year-old Kho birdieing the final hole of his day to claim a one shot win over two-time Masters winner Watson.

Beginning the final day, it was Watson who led following scores of 69, 66 and 69 and, despite a three-under 70 final round, the American was unable to get the better of Kho, who fired himself out of the gates on Sunday.

Birdieing four of his first six holes, the charge put him into contention, with a bogey at the seventh meaning a three-under 33 going out.

A birdie at the par 4 10th kept him in contention and, with only Watson continuing to pose any threat, thanks to a birdie at the 17th, it was all-square going down the final hole between the two men.

Playing the last, Watson could only par, with a four-footer separating Kho between victory and a playoff.

Thankfully, for the Hong Kong player, his birdie putt never looked anywhere else, as it dropped in for a one stroke win and the first player from his home country to win on the International Series.

Claiming the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, Kho was the first player from Hong Kong to secure victory on the circuit, with the International Series Morocco title added to his World City Championship victory of that year.

Speaking after his round, Kho stated: "It’s been a long year. It’s had a lot of hardships and a bit of adversity.

"Through it all, I think I really grew as a person. I realized the work I put in surpasses any results.

"Golf’s a funny game. It really gives and takes, and I was very fortunate the last couple of weeks to be on the good side of it.

"I just have a lot of gratitude towards the game itself, the people around me, the people who make it possible."

Introduced in 2022, The International Series is a set of elevated events co-sanctioned by both LIV Golf and the Asian Tour. It offers golfers a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

It also offers players significant tournament prize funds, the chance to earn world ranking points and qualify for majors, and the opportunity to compete against top-level fields at amazing venues across the globe.

There are eight International Series events in 2026, being contested in Japan, Singapore, Morocco, India, Hong Kong, China, The Philippines and Saudi Arabia, where the season-ending PIF Saudi International offers a prize fund of $5,000,000.

Fergus Bisset has been at the International Series Morocco and he had a chance to sit down with the head of the circuit, Rahul Singh and ask him about the circuit and what the future might look like.

What were the origins of the International Series and the early objectives.

I think we go back to the genesis of LIV Golf. The very first conversation, and the very first investment was made in the Asian Tour, even before the league itself was actually envisioned.

The basic premise of that was that you needed the tour to support anything that was going to be built going forward, so having a federation partner was critical to growth success planning.

It was built on the assumption that if you had that partnership, then you would have access to World Golf Ranking points, you would have clear player pathways, you would have the ability to have a relegation and promotion system, you would have a feeder system into the league.

There were a lot of different pieces to that jigsaw puzzle, and the tour managed to fit all of those pieces together, so it was critical, and remains critical to whatever shape LIV 2.0 is going to take. I think the tour is critical to what the league's ecosystem is going forward.

Do you view the International Series as having been a commercial and competitive success?

I think the series as a whole has been extremely successful. We're in our fifth year, right? If you look at where we started, we started with $1 million events in Thailand in 2021, and at that time it was called the Premier Series.

That very quickly was elevated into the International Series. Started off in '22 the purses were $1.5 million, and from '23 onwards they essentially became $2 million. What's exciting is the fact that for the tour it was essentially about expanding the geography.

It was always South Asia, Southeast Asia, a little bit of Japan, that was the environment in which it functioned. But being able to move to the Middle East, to North Africa, all the way up to the UK, from that point of view it definitely should be seen as a success.

The opportunities it created for its players, suddenly 10 events providing 20 plus million dollars in prize money, in addition to the 10 or 15 events that the tour ran on its own, you suddenly had 35 to 40 million dollars that the players were playing for.

The opportunities it created, both in terms of moving into the league, as well as the enhanced attention that the tour started getting, and therefore getting much more commercial interest, has made a big difference.

The partnerships that the series has forged, as well as what the tour has been able to derive, have had significant impact on how the tour has grown. If you look at '23 and '24 we had limited partners. In '25 and '26 almost every single event has either a title or a presenting partner.

That should tell you a lot, because we're not giving those away, they're coming with financial commitment, so every single one of these events is now seeing significant support.

Are you finding now that instead of you going out to look for support, they are coming to you now?

I think we have a more compelling product. In the world of golf the series is seen as an attractive product, a lot of that comes with our association with LIV and having access to those players.

At the end of the day that is what spectators want to see, they want to see the likes of Bubba making those crazy shots, they want to see the star power of Dustin Johnson and Sergio and other major winners, and having them has created significant interest in the tour.

Having those players as well means that spectators and TV viewers also suddenly start to see these great talented players from the Asian Tour, who they might not have heard of. That must be one of the things that you're proud of, giving these guys a platform?

Let’s talk about Scott Vincent. In '22 he earned his way into the league. In '23 he retained it. He then had a year off from it, and then he won the Order of Merit. He's earned his way back.

This has been life changing for him. His brother had an opportunity to play. There are multiple people for whom these are completely life-changing opportunities.

They still have to go out and earn it of course. They still have to shoot the scores and compete, but by being able to bring them to different parts of the world, by being able to put them into environments which are not just Asian, you're playing against much bigger fields, you're playing against much greater players, you're dealing with stress, you're dealing with pressure, you're dealing with emotion, you're suddenly dealing with crowds.

In India, where you would normally see two or three thousand people in a week, had 22,000 people when Bryson was there. The Philippines had 31,000 people. This is unprecedented in these countries, but it just goes to show you that if you have the product, the fans will come.

Now it's a truly international series, that must be a challenge for the players. There's a lot of travelling, a lot of getting used to different types of grass and weather conditions. Does it create a sort of all-round player? Do you think we're seeing a raising of standards?

Oh, definitely. And it's not just because they're going into different environments, but it's also that they're playing against a different set of players, players who have really proven themselves on a world stage, which can be quite intimidating.

But it's also so much more exciting, and the confidence you gain when you can hold it together against those guys, think about what it does to your self-belief, it's incredible.

The future. What are the immediate objectives for the series, and where do you see it five years from now, ten years from now?

The ecosystem that we have built is going to be here, we're going to continue. In this environment of uncertainty, in the short term it is all systems go, with 100% certainty that our events in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, China and Saudi are going ahead.

What the product is going to look like, if it requires a little bit of tweaking, if it requires a little bit of changing, if it requires us to revisit some of what we do, we will do that, we will adapt, but we are not going to find ourselves in a situation where we are not going forward with these tournaments or giving continued opportunities to our players.

Going forward, every single one of our partners that we've been speaking to, who have been asking questions about what the future looks like, every single one of them is committed to staying with the series.

They love the product, they all want the same thing, they're committed to staying with us as long as we're willing to commit to what we've delivered so far.

They want the elevated fields, they want the better product, they want some excitement on course, and as long as we're committed to delivering that, they're committed to continuing our partnerships.

That has been very, very comforting, and it has given us a lot of confidence to move forward.

Which is a great indication of the level of respect for this circuit.

I think so too. I'd like to believe that. I think we've been able to build a product that is being viewed in the world of golf as respectable, as having created significant opportunities for our players, and building within the region.

Yes, I definitely think that it is being viewed as something that has a strong future.

What we're also trying to do is ensure that we build out a legacy and impact programme, we're not just about coming in for one week a year, making a little bit of noise, and leaving.

What we want is a sustained programme that allows the game to grow, and if we're able to do that, hopefully that'll then start impacting fans, impacting partnerships, impacting perpetuity.

Well, that sounds very positive.

Yes, I am. And again, I'm careful about not trying to sound overenthusiastic, but I am very clear that I am positive on the direction.

The final day of competition before the Asian Tour takes a three-month break is here and we're all set for a fascinating conclusion to the International Series Morocco.

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam's Red Course has been the stage for a fantastic tournament to date, one which has seen over a dozen LIV Golfers and over 100 of the Asian Tour's best go head-to-head for the title.

Heading into the final round, it's one of the LIV Golfers with the lead. Bubba Watson has a one-shot advantage following a four-under round of 69 as he closes in on his first title anywhere since 2018.

Defending champion Scott Vincent wasn't too far behind Watson with a round to play, in a tie for 10th on nine under.

The prize for the International Series Morocco champion is a $360,000 payout from a total of $2 million. Meanwhile, second, third and fourth could also pick up a six-figure payout for their efforts.

The elevated series offers a greater tournament purse than a regular Asian Tour event as well as a separate ranking leaderboard.

Historically, the leading players through all eight International Series tournaments have earned LIV Golf League cards, so the rewards for doing well in these events can be particularly lucrative.

Below is the maximum prize money payout for each position at the International Series Morocco based on 75 players making the cut and before ties are taken into account.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES MOROCCO PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN

With just one round to play of the International Series Morocco, one of over a dozen LIV Golfers who started the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam event, Bubba Watson, has a slender advantage.

The two-time Masters champion shot a third round of 69 on Saturday to get to 15 under, one clear of Jazz Janewattananond and Taichi Kho.

At the start of Moving Day, Watson shared the lead with Pavit Tangkamolprasert, with the pair locked together on 11 under.

However, Tangkamolprasert struggled for consistency on Saturday, with high spots including a slam-dunk eagle at the 10th and three birdies offset by four bogeys to leave him three back of Watson ahead of the final round.

Watson also wasn’t quite at the scintillating level of the second round, when he made eight birdies and just one bogey on his way to a seven-under 66.

Despite that, he still went four-under on Saturday thanks to six birdies, with back-to-back bogeys at the 14th and 15th his only stumbles.

As a result, just 18 holes now stand between him and his maiden Asian Tour win and first anywhere since 2018, when he won the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship for the third time.

While two players head into the final round just one behind Watson, others in contention include Takanori Konishi, whose bogey-free 66 in the third round left him tied with Tangkamolprasert on 12 under. Julien Sale and Suteepat and Prateeptienchai are four behind Watson.

Adding to the sense that there is still plenty of work ahead for Watson if he is to claim the 16th win of the professional career is the fact that Janewattananond is a former champion of the International Series Morocco, having won the tournament in 2022.

Along with Watson, other LIV Golfers who made the cut include Younghan Song, Abraham Ancer, Branden Grace and defending champion Scott Vincent, who are all on 10 under, six back of the leader.

Sergio Garcia, whose wife Angela caddied for him at the tournament, was one of the big-name LIV Golfers to miss the cut.

Golf can be stressful. For many of us, it’s stressful most of the time. In that way, the stress becomes normality and dealing with it should become easier… Perhaps.

I get nervous on the 1^st tee in the Saturday medal at my home club, Banchory. At my other club, I always have a mild panic attack when playing my second shot into the 18^th on the Old Course – I’m sure I’m going to knife it into the tourists watching from behind or shank it straight into a nicely parked Bentley outside the St Andrews Club.

I can’t even imagine how it would feel if you were playing for your living. The pressure on these guys is huge. For some, it’s about the money – those who aren’t quite at the very top of the pile can change their lives with a good result. They can pay off a mortgage, pay the school fees for the year etc.

Those for whom money is no longer an issue face different pressure. They face the pressure of expectation – the likes of Bubba this week: People expect him to perform well – sponsors, tournament organisers and fans demand it. That’s tough to live up to when you have a field of this quality to get past.

There’s also a personal desire to replicate prior achievements. The pressure a top-level professional puts themselves under to deliver to their full potential is intense.

Most of these players work with sports psychologists and other mind benders to try to keep their heads in the right place to play their best golf. That surely helps.

But they must use other little techniques they have learned over the years to keep themselves calm and swinging smoothly.

I watched the players in the third round of the International Series Morocco and observed the following:

Routine

This is the fundamental method that all good players (pros especially) use to minimise the effects of pressure.

No matter what the shot, no matter how important it is, how difficult it is, whether it’s three off the tee or for an eagle, they will go through exactly the same routine every time. In that way, the brain says – “what’s the problem? I’ve done this a hundred thousand times before.”

You’ll see them stop and start again if their routine is just a little off. It’s not OCD exactly, it’s just ensuring that everything is the same. It also need not take forever. Amateurs could learn that a concise pre-shot routine, repeated each time, could keep the stress demons at bay in tough situations.

Eating and drinking

This is a key form of distraction the pros use on almost every hole. If they’re standing waiting, or even just walking between shots, more often than not they’ll have a gulp of water or a small bite of an energy bar.

Not only does that keep them hydrated and fuelled, but it also takes the mind off the stressful situation they are in.

Nicotine

In the old days, a high % of pros used to smoke. That was the ultimate distraction technique, and many found ciggies relaxing. Many also found them highly addictive and bad for your health mind you, so few rely on them now as a stress-busting crutch.

But golf pros have moved with the times like the rest of society. You see a number of them reaching for a cheeky vape between shots and, out here at the International Series Morocco, I’ve seen more than the odd circular-tin shaped bulge in players’ pockets – that’s nicotine pouches if you’re wondering…

The Caddie Interaction

Many players rely on their caddie for light relief. Some are dead serious and focused on their game the whole way round. Others will share jokes and stories with their caddie to take the seriousness out of the picture a little.

I saw Scott Vincent have a joint prayer or perhaps just a little head-to-head pep-talk with his caddie on the first tee on Saturday in Morocco. You could see they were in it together. Sharing the pressure is one way to reduce it!

Changing The Subject

Players who like to chat with their partners tend not to talk about golf too much. They bring up topics like; their kids, holidays with friends and family, TV shows… normal stuff. You won’t hear many of them discussing their rounds. Again – distraction techniques.

Calls of Nature

A good way to take the pressure off is to visit the conveniences. The players do it quite a bit. Bubba Watson seems to go into every bathroom he walks past – perhaps he is too well hydrated, using the drinking every shot distraction technique!

Travis Smyth decided he needed to go just a minute before his round-three tee time. That was a quick pit stop!

Anyway, those are some of the ways I’ve seen players deal with pressure on the golf course. If you have any techniques, please let us know in the comments box below.

Bubba Watson heads into the weekend tied for the lead at the International Series Morocco as he chases a first title in almost exactly eight years.

Watson, who Golf Monthly followed around in the first round of the Asian Tour event at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, shot 66 on Friday to join Pavit Tangkamolprasert at the top of the leaderboard.

Both men sit on 11 under after 36 holes with Tangkamolprasert shooting 70 on Friday, with the pair leading by one shot over Younghan Song, with still plenty of players out on the course.

Watson's last tournament victory came on the PGA Tour at the Travelers Championship in June 2018.

Two-time Masters champion Watson hasn't managed to win yet on LIV Golf as he approaches the end of his fourth season.

The RangeGoats captain has one runner-up spot, at the 2025 LIV Golf UK event, and arrived in Morocco on the back of his best LIV result of the season - a ninth-placed finish in Andalucia.

Watson was in great form in Rabat too, as he carded eight birdies against just one bogey in his second round of 66.

That means the 47-year-old will be in the final pairing on Saturday and well in touch of ending his long wait for a tournament victory.

There are some decent players in hot pursuit though, with Australian Travis Smyth and defending champion in Morocco Scott Vincent just two shots off the leaders.

Sergio Garcia, who had his wife Angela on his bag as he made his very first trip to Morocco, shot a one-under 72 but sitting on level par at the end of his round he's looking likely to miss the cut.

Click here for the full International Series Morocco leaderboard.

One of the great things about watching golf live is that you can choose who you see. On the TV, you’re largely at the mercy of the broadcasters when it comes to the players you watch compiling their scores.

When I’m at an event, one of my favourite things to do is to walk out to a point on the course with no intention of following anyone in particular. I like to just pick up a group for a hole or two and see what happens.

In doing that you end up seeing some great stuff from lesser known golfers and you often see someone who then goes on to achieve greater things in the game… It’s fun to say – ‘I saw them before they were famous!’

My best story about that was at the Carnoustie Open of 2007. I went out on a practice day and spotted fellow northeast Scot Richie Ramsay on the 5^th green. I stopped to watch him hit some chips. Also in his group was Nick Faldo – he’s pretty well known (this story isn’t about him!) And, there was this loping, floppy-haired youth in a brightly multicoloured Galvin Green jacket.

I hadn’t seen him play before, but I had seen a picture – it was an 18-year-old called Rory McIlroy.

‘Let’s see if he can play’ I thought. Well, one full shot later, I very much knew he could.

The three stood up on the par-5 6^th, “Hogan’s Alley”. Ramsay drove short of the bunkers on the right, so did Faldo. All good. Then this little scamp bounced onto the tee and hit an absolute bomb. He was fully 75 yards past the other two, straight down the middle of the alley…. The galleries let out a collective “Wow”.

Anyway, that was when I first saw Rory hit a shot. Back to the International Series Morocco. I’ve been out trying to find a new Rory – I don’t think I have yet… He’s fairly difficult to match. But I have seen some excellent young players, and these are the five who caught my eye.

Grant Haefner

The 28-year-old American is currently six-under. He looks like someone I should have heard of. If that makes sense… OK, maybe it doesn’t… He looks like a top player. Better?

He has the relaxed on-course attitude of someone who is confident in their own level of play. His looks pretty good to me. I particularly like the way he flights his short irons. He looks to have great control over them.

I’m surprised he’s not ranked higher. Perhaps he’ll be a late developer.

Taichi Kho

Hailing from Hong Kong, this 27-year-old was a runner-up in the 2021 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. He was Asian Tour rookie of the year in 2023.

He looks to have a complete game. He’s certainly doing pretty much everything right so far this week. He through two rounds on nine-under. Just two off the lead.

He hits it miles (they all do but he seems to have a good deal of power). He’s averaged 315 yards from the tee in the first 36 holes. He also looks to have a calm and composed demeanour… Although I’ve been watching him while he’s been playing well of course!

Dominic Foos

I’ve got to give the Golf Monthly diarist a mention here. He’s not unknown of course; he’s been giving us updates from the International Series through 2026.

But the German is not quite as well-known as he ought to be for his golf. He’s won a couple of times, and he has an excellent technical game. He’s also highly disciplined and focused. I think Dom has a big win in him this year.

James Leow

The Singaporean looked deadly on the greens to me. That was why I singled him out in this piece. I just felt he looked like he would hole everything he stood up to.

I’m not sure he’s the longest hitter but he could work on that – look at what Matt Fitzpatrick did!

I just liked the way he went about his business when I followed him yesterday. He shot three-under and he made it look incredibly easy.

Michael La Sasso

The 22-year-old American is a little better known. He’s been playing on LIV Golf since turning pro this January. He was a standout in college golf and he looks insanely talented.

His scoring hasn’t quite been there this week but he hits it beautifully and looks full of confidence. I think he, of all those mentioned here, is most likely to hit the very big time.

England’s Sam Broadhurst, playing this week in the International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco, has a notable addition to his support crew for the tournament: his father Paul, a six-time European Tour winner and Ryder Cup player.

Paul Broadhurst won six European Tour titles across a career spanning nearly two decades, represented Europe at the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island, and went on to claim two senior majors after turning 50, including the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2016, a victory made memorable by having Sam on his bag that week

Now the the elder Broadhurst is happy to leave the playing to his son. “I try not to get involved too much,” said Paul. “He’s playing well. He had a good result last week, fourth place.”

While he insists he’s here on holiday, Paul brings a fair amount of experience to the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. “It’s a course I’ve been coming to for 30-odd years now and it’s always been one of my favourites.”

He’s quick to admit though that the game has changed since his day. “The distance these boys hit it, it’s a totally different golf course to the one I used to play. I love this golf course. It’s one of the best in the world,” he said.

Sam Broadhurst arrives in Rabat carrying form from a strong showing at last week’s am green IGPL Bharath Classic in El Jadida, where he finished tied fourth. He has also spent the past two weeks acclimatising in Morocco, having competed on the Asian Development Tour earlier in the trip.

“The game’s feeling pretty good,” said Sam. “I’ve been out here two weeks now, so I should be used to the conditions. I felt like I’d struggled early season with my long game, but I worked hard the couple of weeks before and it paid off last week. I’m hoping to do the same this week.”

Sam is going well in the tournament and is two-under-par for the event at time of writing.

For Paul, the trip is a rare chance simply to be a dad. The 60-year-old has been sidelined through injury for much of the year, and the Morocco swing offered the chance to watch Sam compete without the logistical demands of long-haul travel.

“This is the first opportunity my wife and I have had to see Sam play relatively close to the UK without travelling 15 hours,” he said.

The rare combination of family support and course knowledge isn’t lost on Sam. “Dad doesn’t get much chance to watch me and it’s good to have him here. If he can help me in any way, then I’m always going to listen.”

After more than two decades working in the game, I’ve been lucky enough to watch my fair share of decent live golf over the years. Charl Schwartzel’s final stretch at Augusta in 2011 springs first to my mind.

Anyone who makes it to the elite level of the game clearly plays superb golf, but there are some who stand out in terms of their ball striking skills or simply their ability to entertain through the way they go about their golfing business.

Bubba Watson falls squarely into that latter category for me. He plays a unique and flamboyant type of golf. He doesn’t see the game in a conventional way like most of the pros on the top circuits. They approach each hole and each shot in a relatively similar fashion. Bubba forges out on his own path.

It was one of the reasons I was pleased to travel to The International Series Morocco where Bubba is one of the star attractions. To see him plying his trade and swinging out of his boots!

I decided to go out and watch him put a full round of golf together. It’s one thing to see him hit the odd curvy bomb from the tee, but to watch him construct a score is something else.

After following Bubba for a round at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam just outside Rabat, this is what I have to report back.

You just can’t believe where he’s aiming!

On the first – a dog-leg par four that turns sharply to the left, I positioned myself behind the tee as his group started out (he was playing with Wade Ormsby and Branden Grace.)

When Bubba stood up, I thought he was taking the proverbial. His feet were aiming so far right. He looked like he might smash one straight into the starter’s hut!

But he most certainly didn’t. While most of the players I watched before went for a slight turn to the left with their opening drives, Bubba went for a low, 50-yard slice.

It was amazing to watch – It rifled out about 200 yards, low and straight, before changing direction and going almost directly left, round the corner to leave just a wedge to the green. It was as if it was being remote controlled.

He shapes it both ways (see more below) and he exaggerates the movement hugely. I was amazed with how far offline he aims his feet (in both directions.)

He also gets right on his toes. He plays it with his right heel completely off the ground. Every shot... Even his putts!

The main picture above really shows how much he gets his weight onto his toes through the ball – it’s quite amazing and a real lesson to all us flat-footed amateurs!

He Swings It Both Ways

We know that of course. But it’s an amazing skill that he seems to find incredibly easy to do. On the testing par-4 6^th, he hit a huge fade from the tee, beautifully over the bunker and onto the left side of the fairway.

He then played a brilliant mid iron into the green with a controlled draw. It ended just eight feet from the cup. Those two shots for me absolutely displayed what extraordinary control he has over the golf ball.

The bad shots go straight

He plays for everything to move and when it does, he ends up where he wants. Unlike most players, it’s his straight ones that get him into trouble. He aims it so far offline to start with that, if it doesn’t shift from that line, it’s headed for trouble.

There can be no player in golf for whom the straight ball is more destructive!

He’s still long

He told me he was when I spoke to him yesterday. But now I believe him. Well, I believed him anyway but now I have proof. The 5^th is a par-5 here of near 600 yards. He boosted a drive and then was disappointed with a fairway wood that just narrowly missed the putting surface, pin high, just 20 feet from the cup.

He got up and down with ease for birdie.

He’s relaxed but clearly still cares

I wouldn’t have said it looked like Bubba was playing in a significant tournament. He looked like he was playing holiday golf, laughing and joking with his playing partners plus friends and family members who have accompanied him this week.

I was thinking – he’s just enjoying himself, maybe golf isn’t top priority these days. But then, you would see the competitive streak in him come out. A couple of times he let out a cry of frustration, even a, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” When he came up short on an approach.

He still wants to score well and to win. No doubt about it.

He Could Go Low… If he putts well…

It just looks to me like he has the ability to birdie every hole he plays. I’m surprised he doesn’t make more. He hits it miles, it looks like he has it on a string with his irons and his short game is super-tidy.

The only thing I think looks a little sketchy is his putting – I can only think that is what holds him back from shooting mid 60s every time he tees it up.

He was four-under for the first round, and it looked like it could have been so much better. I think he could win.

Bubba Watson made a strong start to the International Series Morocco with a first-round 69 putting him just off the lead after 18 holes.

Watson is one of a whole host of LIV Golf stars taking part in the International Series Morocco, with over 20 teeing it up at the Asian Tour event at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

And the RangeGoats captain carded the second-best round of the day by the LIV contingent, with only Younghan Song of Korean Golf Club going lower with his six-under round of 67.

Watson had five birdies and one bogey in his four-under 69, which put him in T8 after the first round, four shots behind early leader Pavit Tangkamolprasert after he shot a flawless 65.

Travis Smyth is tied for second place alongside Song after also shooting 67 on the unusual par-73 layout in Morocco, which contains four par-5s but just three par-3s.

Andy Ogletree and Lucas Bjerregaard are among those sitting on five under and in a tie for fourth, while Scott Vincent is the next best LIV player after Watson on three under.

Abraham Ancer is on two under, a shot ahead of Branden Grace, while Sergio Garcia did not have the best of times in his very first visit to Morocco.

Garcia had never previously visited the country just a few miles away from his native Spain, and he had his wife Angela on his bag for the occasion.

Garcia turned in a one-over 37, and could not make a move down his back nine, as he followed both of his birdies with bogeys to sign for a 74.

International Series Morocco - First round highlights

Sergio Garcia is preparing for his seventh appearance on the Asian Tour’s International Series, but his first in Morocco.

Indeed, the International Series Morocco won’t just see the LIV Golfer tee it up in the country for the first time, it is also the Spaniard’s first visit in any capacity.

Ahead of the tournament, which is being held at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, he said: “Funny enough, even though I’m from Spain, I’ve never been to Morocco, as close as it is.”

However, Garcia won’t be stepping into the unknown without a familiar face by his side during the tournament. Rather than go with his regular caddie, Benjamin Thompson, Garcia will have his wife, Angela, on his bag.

He added: “It’s great to be here with my wife, Angela. She’s going to be caddying for me this week, so that’s going to be a fun experience for both of us.

“We played nine holes yesterday and enjoyed the course. It’s in great shape. The greens are very tricky with a lot of movement on them, but it’s a beautiful-looking golf course. We’re excited to see a new culture and experience it.”

There are eight tournaments on the International Series schedule for 2026, with each being held in a different country, and Garcia believes the events are helping to introduce the game to new audiences.

He said: “I think golf is a global game, and that’s where we try to take it. One of the key things we do at LIV is travel to many different parts of the world and give countries that don’t always get to see a lot of golf, or many big-name players, the opportunity to experience it.

“I think it’s important to try to be in as many places as possible. Morocco, the Middle East and Asia are big markets, and we’re happy to try to do our part there.”

Garcia also believes the International Series, which this week sees 18 LIV Golfers compete, is playing a key role in accelerating young talent, too, as well as helping with his own sharpness.

He said: “Without a doubt. And for us, too, to keep sharp and play against some really good players and really good up-and-coming players. It’s fun to be here and test our games a little bit, maybe try a few new things here and there.”

On the subject of trying new things, Garcia experimented with a broomstick putter during practice. However, whether or not he uses it during the event, he will be confident of a sixth Asian Tour title.

Garcia tees it up in the International Series Morocco in excellent form, just days after finishing fourth at LIV Golf Andalucia in his homeland.

The International Series Morocco takes place between June 11th and 14th.

One of the most incredible shots of all time, it might just be the most incredible shot of all time, was played by Bubba Watson in a playoff with Louis Oosthuizen for the 2012 Masters.

The playoff started on the 18^th where Watson found himself with a putt to win. But it never looked like going in and, after both he and the South African had tapped in for par, they moved to the 10^th.

Both men hit poor drives down the right side, but Bubba was seemingly in more trouble than Louis – way into the woods.

Oosthuizen’s second ended short of the green before attention focused on the left-hander, who looked sure to chip out. But Bubba had other ideas.

He hooked a wedge shot through a gap in the trees that turned some 60 degrees in the air and landed on the green. It had so much side spin on it that it actually spun up the hill to within 10 feet of the cup.

When Oosthuizen missed his par effort, Bubba had two for it. With that incredible shot, Bubba claimed his first green jacket and secured his place in Masters history.

Bubba sees shape in every shot, and he thinks amateurs could learn from his way of looking at the game. I spoke with him during Wednesday practice for the International Series Morocco and asked his advice (for a friend of course…)

“Ha ha. I would tell ‘them’ that the hardest shot in golf is straight,” he says. “Most of the greats in the history of the game moved the ball. And nowadays, I mean, Scottie Scheffler, look how he's moving the ball. Look at Rory. They shape it.”

And there is a good reason for that – it’s basically to have more control by removing a variable. If you know you’re fading it, or drawing it, you know what the likely miss is.

“I’m not saying your miss will be in the same place every time,” he says. “I’d win every week if I knew where it would go for sure. But for the most part, if you’re hitting a cut then that’s the direction it’s going. You can predict it.”

I wanted to know if any pros impressed Bubba with how straight they could hit the ball and the American was quick to answer.

“Lee Westwood,” he said. “He barely moves it and it just rifles out there. That is cool to watch. I think he might be the greatest we’ve seen at hitting a ball straight. He is the one I think of when I think dead straight (most of the time.) But the way he plays is unusual for sure.”

Watson is one who will always see and create shape in his shots.

“It’s how I see every shot from tee to green,” he says. “It’s like a putt. I want to see some movement in it rather than it be dead straight. I’m the same with irons and from the tee.”

The two-time major champion relishes a course that calls for shot making and ball shaping.

“I enjoyed Valderrama for LIV Golf Andalucia,” an event in which the 47-year-old finished in the top 10. “I had to shape it out of the trees a few times, keep the ball low sometimes and that’s why I had a 2-iron in the bag for the event. I enjoy that type of golf.”

Just a couple of years away from seniors’ golf, Bubba says he will continue to play the same way as he ages.

“I can still hit it over 300 yards. I still hit the odd long one,” he says. “But you slow down, that’s inevitable and that means less shape… But the shape will still be there!”

And, is he looking forward to seniors’ golf? You bet!

“Well, I’m not good enough to do anything else!” he laughs. “And three days with a cart. I mean, that’s going to be great.”

Bubba should have a good time this week around Royal Golf Dar Es Salam for the International Series Morocco. I’ve just been out and walked some of the course and it’s a layout that definitely calls for some shaping of the ball.

I saw Bubba hit one shot while on my strolls and it was from behind a tree. He bent it to the front left of the green and then got up and down for par. Seemed about right!

It’s pro-am Wednesday at the International Series Morocco. There’s a relaxed vibe at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam as the players complete final preparations for the tournament starting tomorrow.

Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe is the defending champion and Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia are among the star names on the start sheet for the week.

I decided to spend some time on the range to watch the top players practice and to see how what they do compares with the amateurs who are playing in the pre-tournament event today. (And how it compares with me).

I have experience of being an amateur in a pro-am situation – it’s nerve-wracking. I was lucky enough to be invited to play in the pro-am for the Scottish Open of 2016 at Castle Stuart in the Scottish Highlands.

Feeling brave at the outset, I decided to do the correct thing and head to the range. Quite a crowd had gathered there watching Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson (among others) blasting balls sublimely into the Scottish sun.

Walking past them and finding a spot in the middle somewhere, I suddenly realised the reality of my situation. I had Branden Grace on one side and Stenson on the other. My arms turned to jelly.

I hit a couple of semi-shanked 5-irons and decided the place was not for the likes of me. As I sheepishly walked off the range, a group of autograph seeking kids saw me coming. One held out a pad and pen. Another pulled his arm back and said, “Don’t worry. He’s nobody.” How true.

It was Branden Grace I followed to the range here at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. We had just done a quick interview with him by the putting green and I wanted to see him hit. When I got there, I was engrossed and stayed for two hours!

Here’s a summary of what I learned from my time on the range here at the International Series Morocco:

Prepare To Hit

If I go to the driving range, I tip the bucket over and swipe at the nearest ball to roll out across the mat. I use a 7-iron as I think that’s starting softly.

But inevitably, I make a groan and snatch at the first couple of balls with a very stiff back and shoulders.

That is not what the professionals do. Watching Branden Grace, he spent almost 10 minutes stretching and warming up before he even hit a shot.

He also used warm-up tools – He had a resistance band that he pulled against with his trainer and a weighted ball that he was throwing in such a way as to recreate the movement through the swing.

He was not going to hit even a wedge shot until his body was absolutely ready. In that way he is lessening the chance of injury as well as making sure that each shot he hits is worthwhile and not a wasted swing.

The lesson is – Warm up properly before hitting balls. It was noticeable that the amateur players on the range today were not doing that.

Work Through the bag

I’m sure I’m not alone in starting my practice sessions with a few tame 7-irons. I then go on a haphazard tour through my clubs with little rhyme or reason to the route.

Just recalling my last visit, which I recorded using my Stack software, I went 7-iron, 4-iron, driver, 6-iron, driver, 8-iron, driver, 2-iron, 5-iron, 54 degree, driver, 7-iron, 3-wood, driver, wedge… Looking at that now, I actually can’t believe it. What was I doing? There’s no method in that whatsoever.

I watched Maverick Antcliff, the talented Australian who hits the ball beautifully, go through his whole practice session.

He started with his wedges. He hit slow, relaxed shots and worked on ball flight.

He moved onto irons and up through the bag – maybe hitting every other iron as he went. Perhaps five shots with each. But not as we hit shots as amateurs – We stand still and blast ball after ball, not moving our feet, just pulling another ball into position with the club.

That means we hit the same shot repeatedly and make the same mistakes repeatedly.

Antcliff hit a shot, watched it fly and then stood back from it, spoke to his caddy, thought about it and then re-settled to hit another one.

There was no rush, no stress, just a relaxed process of hitting right through the bag, on up to the long irons and then the fairway metals.

It actually looked fun! Certainly, when compared to the amateur who was practising beside him. He was lashing at mid irons, hitting at least two, maybe three for each one that Maverick struck. He was hitting two out of three very badly!

The lesson is – take your time, go through the bag systematically.

Think about each shot

Carrying on from that systematic and considered approach. These top players are thinking about what they want to achieve from every shot they hit on the range.

There’s no blind, aimless smacking at the ball. They have a plan for each and every shot – to shape it, to flight it, to hit it easy or hard. No shot is wasted.

Don’t hit so many drivers

I watched another good Aussie – Elvis Smylie, a winner on LIV in February. He also took his time and only hit sparingly. Each shot means something – remember that!

What I really noticed with him is that he only hit a handful of drivers. When he worked through the bag and reached the big dog, he hit only four shots with it and it took him just over five minutes to do it.

His objective was fine tuning rather than tiring himself out. How many of us amateurs reach too quickly for the driver when warming up or practising?

If you do that, you’ll exhaust yourself fast, and make the rest of your practice session a waste of time. Leave the driver for last and don’t hit more of them than absolutely necessary.

That’s what I’ve learned this morning. It all seems so obvious but I know that I don’t follow the professional example and I reckon (certainly by watching those amateurs on the range today) that most golfers who do it for love not money, practice incorrectly.

The overall lesson is – Follow the example set by the pros. There’s a reason why these guys are playing for a $2 million purse this week in Morocco.

A bit of background on the International Series. Introduced in 2022, it’s a set of elevated events co-sanctioned by both LIV Golf and the Asian Tour. It offers players significant tournament prize funds, the chance to earn world ranking points and qualify for Majors, and the opportunity to compete against top-level fields at amazing venues across the globe.

The standard is clearly very high and there’s a great atmosphere around the tournament. It looks set to be an exciting week. There will be regular updates from me on the site so watch this space!

Torque GC player Abraham Ancer believes "a win is near" following a strong start to the season in the LIV Golf League.

Ancer opened his campaign with a T4th in Riyadh and has since finished T3rd in South Africa before another T3rd at LIV's Spanish event at Valderrama last weekend.

In addition, a rare venture onto the Asian Tour recently saw the Mexican end inside the top-five at the Korea Open - missing out on a spot at The Open Championship by only a few places as Jiho Yang ran away with the title.

Nevertheless, an excellent run of performances inside the past couple of months has filled the former Presidents Cup player with confidence and he thinks a seventh professional win of his career might be around the corner.

Speaking ahead of the International Series Morocco this week - the latest $2 million elevated event on the Asian Tour - Ancer said: “Game is feeling really good.

"It's obviously nice when you can finish in the top three, especially against that field and on a golf course that is such a great test of golf. It definitely gives you a lot of confidence and belief a win is near."

Victory will be tough in Morocco, however, given Ancer is currently experiencing his first taste of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam's Red Course.

He continued: “I'm looking forward to this week. It's my first time here and I've only seen about nine holes so far, but it already looks like it's going to be a great week. The golf course is unbelievable, it's in fantastic condition, and I'm excited to get started.

“It's definitely a golf course where you need to know exactly where to position yourself coming into these greens, the greens have a lot of movement and there are some really challenging pin locations available.”

Ancer is one of more than 20 LIV golfers in the field this week, but his hot run of form - combined with a couple of top-fives at International Series events in the past - makes him one of the outright favorites to contend.

Regardless, the 35-year-old remains focused on what he can control and has vowed to maintain his usual style of play.

He said: “It doesn't really matter where I'm playing, my approach is always the same. I want to do my homework during practice, prepare as well as I can.

"At the same time, I don't like looking too far ahead or putting expectations on myself. I just focus on the shot in front of me and control what I can control. It sounds a little boring, but that's what works for me.”

The International Series Morocco is the final event on the Asian Tour before a lengthy mid-season break, with the circuit resuming on September 17 in Chinese Taipei with the Taiwan Open.

Meanwhile, Ancer's home tour is also facing a long break due to LIV Golf Louisiana having been postponed earlier this year.

Asked what his schedule might look like over the next two months or so, Ancer kept his cards close to his chest and reiterated all of his focus is on the International Series Morocco.

He said: “We have about six and a half weeks off after this, so it's quite a long break. I'm not sure yet whether I'll play anything else during that period so this will be a nice stop to keep the game in place.”

It's a big week on the Asian Tour as the International Series continues in Morocco at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.

Scott Vincent defends his title with past winners Ben Campbell and Jazz Janewattananond back in a very strong field.

The elevated series of Asian Tour events offers spots into the LIV Golf League, and this week there are over 20 LIV players in the field including team rostered players, wild cards and reserves.

2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia is one of the headline names along with two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, Abraham Ancer and Australia's Elvis Smylie, who sits 9th in the LIV Golf standings after winning in his Riyadh debut to start the season.

The event marks the third tournament of the 2026 International Series schedule, following on from the International Series Japan and Singapore Open, which were both played in April.

Travis Smyth prevailed in Japan for his second Asian Tour victory, and it has led to multiple LIV Golf starts for Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC - which is currently missing Paul Casey due to injury.

Smyth, who is one of the tournament favorites this week in Rabat after playing LIV Golf Mexico City, Virginia, Korea and Andalucia, says his recent LIV experience has given him plenty of confidence.

“LIV Golf Korea was amazing. It was really cool to get the call-up last minute and have such a strong week, it was a special, unforgettable experience in Asia," he said.

"I’ve always had a soft spot for Asia and love playing there, so I feel very comfortable in that environment.

“Finishing top 10 in Korea individually was also a huge boost of confidence. It took a bit of pressure off and just reinforced that I can compete at that level. It was really nice to be able to play well and back it up with a result like that.

“Being part of a team again was also really unique. Having guys genuinely happy for you, coming off the course and getting congratulations, even hearing ‘good luck’ before going out and knowing they mean it, it was a really refreshing experience.

"Making new friendships, and being alongside players like Bryson, made it even more special.

“The more time I spend on LIV Golf, the more comfortable I feel in that atmosphere. It’s quite different to the Asian Tour, bigger crowds, music, and the added pressure you put on yourself all make it a different challenge.

"Those are factors that can get in the way of playing freely, but each time I tee it up I feel like I’m getting more comfortable.

“Looking ahead to International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco, it’s a very strong field, which is exactly what the tournament deserves. It’s a world-class golf course, I love it there and have played well before.

"From the first time I saw it, I’ve always felt it’s a course I can win on, and that’s always the goal.”

So, which LIV Golfers are in the field this week in Morocco?

LIV Golfers in International Series Morocco field:

• Byeonghun An (Korean GC)
• Abraham Ancer (Torque GC)
• Yosuke Asaji (Wild Card)
• Ben Campbell (RangeGoats GC)
• John Catlin (Reserve)
• Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC)
• Branden Grace (Southern Guards GC)
• Bjorn Hellgren (Wild Card)
• Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC)
• Michael La Sasso (HyFlyers GC)
• Luis Masaveu (Fireballs GC)
• Doyeob Mun (Korean GC)
• Wade Ormsby (Reserve)
• Max Rottluff (Reserve)
• Ollie Schniederjans (Reserve)
• Elvis Smylie (Ripper GC)
• Younghan Song (Korean GC)
• Richard T Lee (Wild Card)
• Miguel Tabuena (Wild Card)
• Cameron Tringale (HyFlyers GC)
• Scott Vincent (HyFlyers GC)
• Bubba Watson (RangeGoats GC)

South Korea's Jeongwoo Ham is heading to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July after winning the Asian Tour's Singapore Open presented by The Business Times in wire-to-wire fashion this week.

The World No.735 played near-perfect golf on Sentosa Golf Club's world-famous Serapong course and clinched the title on 16-under thanks to a blistering 64 to start followed by three consecutive rounds of 68.

It was Ham's maiden Asian Tour victory but his seventh professional win overall after four triumphs on the Korean Golf Tour and two on the Japan Golf Tour.

The 30-year-old won by two strokes in the end from Australia's Cameron John who pushed Ham all the way on 14-under, with the pair both wrapping up Major spots thanks to the Open Qualifying Series offering two places at the Singapore Open.

Also, due to the Singapore Open being a part of the Asian Tour's International Series, Ham picked up a check for $360,000 from an overall tournament purse of $2 million.

Discussing his success, Ham credited his putter most of all while crediting his desire to reach a cool hotel room following sweltering conditions for his unshakeable focus.

He said: "Honestly, I sweat a lot and struggle in the heat, so I just kept thinking: play quickly, get through it, and get back to the hotel as soon as possible.

“Of course you still need to hit good shots, but because it was so hot, I actually wasn’t overthinking the golf too much.

"That probably helped me stay relaxed. I just wanted to finish quickly, shower, and lie down under the air-conditioning."

He continued: “My putting was really good today. I’d say the putter saved me for around six shots. Thankfully, the putter worked well and helped me keep the momentum going.”

Ham began Sunday's final round with a four-stroke advantage but saw his lead immediately cut when playing partner John birdied the first.

Keen to respond, the Sungkyunkwan University graduate re-established his four-shot cushion immediately - only to suffer a double-bogey six at the third.

Yet, true to form, Ham birdied the very next hole in order to make the turn in 36.

It was not to be a straightforward day for the man who has made three career appearances on the PGA Tour, however, because of a three-hour rain delay midway through and a spirited fightback from John.

The Australian made five birdies between the 7th and 14th holes to reel in Ham who had managed two of his own on 13 and 14.

But with the tension rising and the holes running out, John was unable to find one final gain which might have secured him a playoff.

That left Ham with the opportunity to close it out in style, and he did so courtesy of another birdie at the 72nd hole.

While there was disappointment on one level for John, the 23-year-old - who finished second on the 2025/26 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit thanks to three wins - was ecstatic to have earned a maiden Major start.

He said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’ve wanted to play in Major championships my whole life.

"I came close back home in Australia, so to come over here and get it done means a lot. It’s something I’ll never forget.

“My game feels like it’s in a really good place. Today was a different test mentally. The Open spot was definitely on my mind, but I felt like I managed it well.

"Looking back, it’s been an incredible year and I’m really grateful for the people around me who support and help me."

Meanwhile, Spain’s Josele Ballester (66), Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (68) and Tomohiro Ishizaka (70) from Japan shared third - a distant seven shots behind the winner.

The 57th edition of the Singapore Open presented by The Business Times is almost over and the pressure is mounting for those Asian Tour pros in the hunt this week.

What makes this International Series event so important to win is the handful of potentially life-changing perks that come with it.

Not only will the champion claim the historic trophy, but the leading two players - who are not already exempt - will secure starts at The 154th Open Championship in July via the Open Qualifying Series.

In addition, victory will go a long way towards helping in a player's International Series quest, with multiple LIV Golf League cards potentially available at the end of the season.

And if that wasn't enough, there is a $2 million tournament purse set to be split among anyone who qualified for the weekend at the Serapong Course.

The Singapore Open winner will bank $360,000 to go along with their newest title while the runner-up is set to earn over $200,000. Third and fourth place, should they finish along, will collect more than $100,000 each as well.

With one round to play, South Korean Jeongwoo Ham was in a commanding position to claim the $360,000 as he led by four on 13 under, with Australian Cameron John his closest rival.

Whoever lifts the trophy, it will be a different player to a year ago as the 2024 winner Yosuke Asaji is not in the field.

Below is the maximum prize money payout for each position at the 2026 Singapore Open presented by The Business Times based on 75 pros making the cut and before ties are taken into account.

Singapore Open Prize Money Breakdown

The International Series continues its 2026 voyage this week, as the Singapore Open takes center stage at Sentosa Golf Club.

Along with the prize money and trophy, two Open Championship spots are up for grabs for the top two on the leaderboard, not already exempt.

Only Lucas Herbert, Kazuki Higa and amateur Jack Buchanan have already secured a place at Royal Birkdale in July, leaving the field wide open for an unmissable chance to play in a Major Championship this summer.

The International Series is a set of elevated events sanctioned by the Asian Tour that includes increased purses and provides pathways to LIV Golf, as well as the four Majors.

For 2026, the International Series commenced in Japan at the start of April, with the Singapore Open marking the second tournament on the calendar.

Following on from Singapore, the circuit will travel to Morocco, Hong Kong, India, China and The Philippines, before the season-ending finale in Saudi Arabia.

There's a lot to look forward to and, like last season on the International Series, there will be two LIV Golf cards up for grabs.

Last year’s winner of the Singapore Open, Yosuke Asaji, used his victory as a launchpad to earn a place on the circuit for 2026, exemplifying the benefits of playing well on the International Series circuit.

This year, the Singapore Open returns to Sentosa Golf Club after a one-year hiatus, with last year’s edition being held at Singapore Island Country Club.

Prior to 2025, Sentosa had hosted the Singapore Open since 2005, with the par 72 layout playing a staggering 7,411 yards on the scorecard, with the total prize fund remaining $2 million.

The Serapong course is considered one of the world’s top 100 golf courses, and past champions of this event include Matt Kuchar, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Adam Scott.

Like we've seen in other International Series events, Major spots will also be up for grabs and, in the past, Patrick Reed, Carlos Ortiz, Jason Kokrak and Tom McKibbin were able to secure their spots at Majors with victories and strong performances.

The R&A is actively extending their Open Qualifying series criteria to create more pathways into its historic Championship by incorporating more national opens and worldwide events, hence why two places are up for grabs.

One of the headliners this week, Herbert, has already qualified for the 154^th Open at Birkdale, thanks to a runner-up at the New Zealand Open in March.

He was solo second behind Daniel Hillier, who was already exempt; thus, the spot fell to 30-year-old Herbert. The Aussie already has five Open appearances, but has only made the cut twice, his best finish a T15 at St Andrews in 2022.

Another notable name is 2024 US Amateur champion Josele Ballester, who is coming off a third-place finish at LIV Mexico last week, where he rounded off an all-Spaniard podium at Chapultepec.

The former Sun Devil has yet to make a cut at a Major and has only one Open Championship appearance back in 2023 as an amateur.

Ballester is yet to win on the LIV Golf circuit, despite coming close by losing in a playoff to Dean Burmester in Chicago last September. The Spaniard did clinch his first professional victory by winning the PIF Saudi International by three strokes over Caleb Surratt at the end of 2025, though.

Other notable names in the field include 21-year-old amateur Jack Buchanan, who qualified for this year’s Open by winning the Africa Amateur Championship by six strokes in February.

Travis Smyth was victorious in the opening International Series event in Japan earlier this month. He was a wildcard last week at LIV Mexico, and the Australian currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Bjorn Hellgren earned his spot on LIV by finishing third in the promotions event in Florida. This was a by-product of the Swede’s maiden Asian Tour title at the Saudi Open in December, which vaulted him to sixth in the Order of Merit.

The wildcard on LIV has yet to flourish so far this season, his best finish coming in Riyadh with a tie for 22^nd.

A place in the Open Championship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for professional golfers, meaning it will all be on the line at Sentosa this week.

On an extremely low scoring final day at the first International Series event of the year in Japan, it was Travis Smyth who made it over the line in a thrilling finale.

Sitting one shot back of Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Ryosuke Kinoshita playing the 72nd hole, a birdie would be enough to force a playoff at 14-under, but Smyth decided to go one better at Caledonian Golf Club.

Producing two big blows to find the green at the par 5 18th, the 31-year-old left himself a left-to-right breaking putt for the eagle, something that looked never in doubt as it left the face of his putter.

Rolling end-over-end, the ball took the break perfectly and, just a few feet out from the hole, it was nowhere else but in the center, going in at a good pace for an eagle three and a 15-under total.

Leapfrogging Tangkamolprasert and Kinoshita, the closing score from Smyth went alongside his five other birdies from the day, as a seven-under-par 64 gave him a one stroke win and a second Asian Tour title, with the International Series Japan the biggest of his career.

Continuing his fine run of form, which included victory on the Japan Golf Tour in March, Smyth stated, following his win on Sunday: "That’s what dreams are made of right there."

He added: "As a young kid, you know, you're on the putting green having putting comps with your mates, you're trying to chip in to win, you're trying to hole 25 footers to win. And that was unbelievable.

"You know, I won a tournament two weeks ago, probably a pretty similar putt downhill, left to right – just drew upon that. But yeah, for it to go in like that, it's the best feeling ever.

"I've had a hard time trying to win tournaments. People don't understand how hard it is to win, you know. Like it's such a mind game with yourself out there.

"In the past, like you're always trying to come up with excuses as to why you might not be leading, or why you might not be hitting the shots under pressure that you want to, but I don't know, I've been able to turn a corner."

With the victory, Smyth sits top of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, as well as the circuit's International Series Rankings.

The latter is an extremely important one as, consisting of nine events, it gives players a chance to earn lucrative LIV Golf League cards for 2027.

Last year, Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji both won their playing rights on the circuit after finishing in the top two of the International Series Rankings, with Smyth looking to follow them this season.

A former LIV Golfer himself, the 31-year-old was part of the League's inaugural season in 2022, featuring in three tournaments where he registered T33rd, T29th and 22nd finishes.

The race for a LIV Golf card is on via the Asian Tour's International Series, with the first of eight events this season having taken place in Japan.

Once of the big incentives for many pros teeing it up in the International Series is the chance to secure their LIV Golf card via its season-long rankings, with further tournaments scheduled in Asia, and one in north Africa, alongside regular tour events.

Points are on offer for those who make the cut at International Series tournaments, and they go towards a running total with the top two pros who do not already hold LIV status for 2027 earning their spot on LIV.

At Chiba's Caledonian Golf Club, Travis Smyth got off to the best possible start with that endeavor when he made a 72nd-hole eagle to claim a thrilling victory.

As well as 180 points to top the early rankings, Smyth also earns substantial prize money thanks to his victory.

The International Series Japan had an overall prize fund of $2m, and Smyth, who followed fellow Australian Lucas Herbert as champion, earns $360,000.

Two players finished runner-up - Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Ryosuke Kinoshita. As a result, the pair banked $173,000 apiece.

Below is what each player who made the cut won at the International Series Japan.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES JAPAN PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN

This week marks the starting point in the Asian Tour's fifth International Series, the group of elevated tournaments which offer bigger prize money payouts than normal and a lucrative perk at the end of the season.

Starting with the International Series Japan, the Asian Tour's best - and some invited guests from LIV Golf and other key circuits - will battle it out across the world throughout the campaign to land the title of International Series champion.

Winning the International Series overall is certainly worthwhile, too, as the player or players who sit in the top positions once all is said and done will be offered a card in the LIV Golf League for 2027 - providing they do not already hold status.

Similar to the PGA Tour's Signature Events, the International Series tournaments take place intermittently alongside regular Asian Tour competitions, so players have to carry their form from week to week if they want to come out on top.

All but one of the eight events offers out a $2 million prize purse, with the season-ending PIF Saudi International putting up a $5 million payout to those involved.

The first chance to pick up a huge winner's check and a healthy batch of International Series points arrives over the coming days.

The Asian Tour's season began in February with the Philippine Golf Championship and New Zealand Open, but the third tournament of the year is the International Series Japan.

Caledonian Golf Club in Shiba, Japan will host once again, with the beautifully intricate 7,116-yard par 71 course welcoming this tournament for the first time last year as Ripper GC player Lucas Herbert reigned supreme.

However, the Australian has opted not to defend his trophy this time and therefore a new champion is destined to be crowned.

Current LIV players Richard T. Lee, Yosuke Asaji and Miguel Tabuena are in the field this year, as are other familiar names such as Sangmoon Bae, Kieran Vincent, Jinichiro Kozuma and Chieh-po Lee.

Americans John Catlin, Andy Ogletree and Sihwan Kim also have experience with LIV and are hoping to ultimately find their way back onto the PIF-backed circuit come the end of the year via a victory this week.

But for Filipino Tabuena, success at his home International Series tournament last year helped propel him from steady Asian Tour pro to LIV golfer in the blink of an eye.

Highlighting how important the International Series can be to a pro golfer's career, Tabuena said: "I feel very fortunate. To earn a full-time spot and compete against the best players in the world is where you want to be.

"I earned that through The International Series, which was my priority last year, and it will always be important to me. I owe everything to The International Series, so I’ll support it as much as I can.”

INTERNATIONAL SERIES SCHEDULE 2026

Anthony Kim joining the 4Aces has had a positive knock-on effect for Miguel Tabuena and he's landed a full-time LIV Golf card for the season.

The 31-year-old just narrowly missed out on qualifying for LIV Golf when he finished third in the International Series rankings on the Asian Tour last year - with just the top two getting cards.

He won his home International Series event in the Philippines and his performances during the season earned him a LIV Golf debut in Riyadh as a reserve last week.

Tabuena filled the spot on the 4Aces team left by Patrick Reed's exit - with that place in Dustin Johnson's side now taken up full-time by Anthony Kim.

That still left a place in the league to be filled though, and Tabuena has won it to become the first Filipino to earn a LIV Golf card.

“This is really huge for me, my goal last year was to win an International Series event, and I did it," said Tabuena, who will play the rest of the LIV Golf season as a wild card.

"That win opened up so many opportunities, including playing bigger events like the Saudi International, and it also gave me a real chance to push for promotion.

“This opportunity also proves that The International Series is a real pathway to LIV Golf. I didn’t earn the automatic spot straight away, but I played well across the season, and the LIV team saw that.

"It shows that if you compete on the Asian Tour and perform in The International Series, doors can open, even for players coming through Q School.”

Tabuena is a four-time winner on the Asian Tour, most notably when winning in front of his home fans back in October, which pushed him into a challenge for one of the two automatic qualifying spots into LIV.

Although he didn't make it at first, he's now in the line-up at LIV Golf Adelaide as one of a number of Asian Tour plays to make it including Scott Vincent, Yosuke Asaji, Richard Lee and Bjorn Hellgren.

Reed's surprise departure left Johnson's 4Aces with a big hole to fill, but Kim looks like he could be a good fit as he continues his resurgence after spending 12 years out of the game.

For Tabuena it's a great opportunity now to make a name for himself and cash in on the lucrative team-based tour for the rest of the campaign.

The 2026 International Series schedule has been released, with another nine events on the Asian Tour calendar offering a route into LIV Golf.

There are three national opens in the line-up, with the Hong Kong Open and Singapore Open being joined by the Philippine Open for 2026.

A return to Vietnam for the first time in three years is also included on the schedule, along with a debut for the International Series China.

There's a new kick-off this year with the International Series Japan the first event on the schedule in April, again being held at the Caledonian Golf Club.

The usual finale remains in Riyadh though with the curtain coming down on the season at the PIF Saudi International in November.

“The International Series is part of LIV Golf’s broader ecosystem, providing a global and inclusive pathway to the LIV Golf League, and a powerful driver of the game’s continued global growth," said LIV Golf head of events Ross Hallett.

Hallett added that future seasons of the International Series could expand, with a focus on more national opens.

“Over the next several years, you’ll see The International Series continue to grow, shaped by strong relationships and close collaboration with talented leaders and golf federations around the world, underpinned by a clear ambition to create a series of events that partners with the most prestigious National Opens," added Hallett.

"We will continue to invest into these events, working with national federation partners to create a viable and sustainable event calendar that supports the next generation of global players.”

Venues for the tournaments in Vietnam, China and the Philippines are still to be confirmed, as are the exact date for the events in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji both won LIV Golf cards after finishing in the top two of the International Series standings last year.

Those cards, and world ranking points on offer, are just two reasons why the International Series is seen as a growing event.

“The International Series has become one of the most scalable and genuinely global pathways in men’s golf, and the 2026 schedule reflects just how far the Series has evolved,” said the head of The International Series Rahul Singh.

“This is now a collection of world-class tournaments, played at iconic venues, supported by national federations, and contested by players competing at the highest echelon of the game.

“By working closely with ambitious host markets and key stakeholders around the world, we are reshaping historic tournaments into global events, while preserving the identity and heritage that make each stop on the calendar special. The 2026 season brings that vision to life across multiple regions, offering players a clear, competitive pathway and fans a truly international stage, celebrating golf, culture and entertainment.”

International Series 2026 full schedule

Josele Ballester is one of the game's brightest talents and, just six months on from turning professional, the Spaniard has his first victory, claiming the PIF Saudi International by three strokes.

Having won the Spanish Amateur, European Amateur and US Amateur prior to turning professional, the now LIV Golfer carded two 65s and two 66s as he ended well clear of fellow circuit player Caleb Surratt.

A member of Fireballs GC, Ballester is an equipment-free agent and, being one of the fastest players in golf, regularly averaging over 195+ mph ball speed with the driver, has a mixed set-up.

Using Ping and TaylorMade, the 22-year-old has had this set-up for some time now, using it at the start of 2025, when he appeared at The Masters, missing the cut in the process.

Check out the full set-up of Ballester's below...

Driver

Beginning with the driver, which is the Ping G430 LST, a model that still ranks as one of the best Ping drivers money can buy and that has been in Ballester's bag since 2023.

Featuring a 10.5° head, he has it set at 9.25°, specifically in the '-' setting on the hosel. This means it is -1.5° neutral, which helps with the insane amount of ball speed and spin the Spaniard creates.

Shaft-wise, the Ping G430 LST has a Mitsubishi Diamana RF 70TX - a Tour extra stiff shaft. His driver also measures 45.25", which is slightly longer than standard.

Mini Driver

Mini drivers are becoming more and more popular on the professional circuits, with the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose using them on the way to their victories on the PGA Tour.

Ballester is another pro using a mini driver, specifically the TaylorMade BRNR, which is set at 13.5° and has a Mitsubishi MCA Kuro Kage 80TX shaft.

Previously, Ballester had the TaylorMade SIM fairway wood in a 5-wood configuration, but made the switch to the mini driver towards the start of 2025.

Utility Iron

One of the newest clubs in the Spaniard's bag is the Ping iDi 2-iron, which is one of the best utility irons on the market.

In an interview with Golf.com, Ping's LIV rep, Spencer Rothluebber, stated: "Turf interaction was the most important thing. The iDi was significantly better through the turf, and sound/feel was also better from Crossover to iDi.

"Turf interaction with everything longer than a 3-wood is so important; it has influence on strike point, which in turn has a direct effect on launch, spin, etc. We always have to be mindful of that especially with someone at his speed."

Ballester has it set at 18° with a Mitsubishi MMT UT 125TX shaft.

Irons

Moving to the irons, where Ballester has a Ping iBlade in a 4-iron, and Ping Blueprints in 5-iron to pitching wedge.

Like many professionals, you will find True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts, which are among the most popular and best on the market.

The iBlade has tungsten weighting in the toe for increased MOI (moment of inertia), while Ballester's Blueprint irons provide a premium look and feel from a bladed design.

Wedges

Like his irons, the Ping Glide Forged Pro wedges are designed for the best of the best ball strikers, with the versatile design making way for a compact look that will suit the more confident player.

Loft-wise, he has 50°, 54° and 58°, which is a common gapping trait you'll find in most bags. Unlike Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, though, Ballester has his wedges in True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts, the same as his irons.

Putter

Flatstick-wise, Ballester is the same as McIlroy and Scheffler, in terms of the fact that he has a TaylorMade Spider model in the bag, specifically the Tour X.

Not only are they ranked among the best TaylorMade putters, but also the best putters you'll find anywhere, with the mallet-design featuring a standard alignment line on the top of the putter.

Previously, the 22-year-old had an Odyssey White Hot Rossie, the same design as fellow countryman Jon Rahm. He changed it at the end of 2024, with the TaylorMade Spider now donning a copper color design.

Golf Ball

Moving away from the clubs and to the golf ball, with Ballester using the Titleist Pro V1, which is one of the most used models on the professional circuits.

This is a golf ball that has been in his set-up for some time, with the three-piece construction providing a soft, responsive feel, as well as a consistent, stable ball flight.

Josele Ballester PIF Saudi International Winning WITB

• Driver: Ping G430 LST set at 9.25° with a Mitsubishi Diamana RF 70TX shaft
• Mini Driver: TaylorMade BRNR (13.5°) with a Mitsubishi MCA Kuro Kage 80TX shaft
• Utility Iron: Ping iDi (18°) with a Mitsubishi MMT UT 125TX shaft
• Irons: Ping iBlade (4), Ping Blueprint (5-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts
• Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro (50°, 54°, 58°) with True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts
• Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1

The PIF Saudi International is the Asian Tour’s marquee event, regularly attracting many of the game’s biggest names, including a large contingent from LIV Golf.

Another thing that sets it apart from other tournaments on the circuit is its prize money, with $5m on offer in 2025 and winner Josele Ballester claiming $1m.

As well as the battle to claim the title at the prestigious event, there was another element that added to the drama at Riyadh Golf Club thanks to its place in the calendar as the final event in the International Series.

For the first time, two LIV Golf contracts were on offer for the players not otherwise exempt at the top of the season-long rankings, with several players still capable of joining the big-money League at the start of the tournament, including Scott Vincent, Yosuke Asaji, Miguel Tabuena, Ollie Schniederjans and Wade Ormsby.

In the end, it was the two names who began the event at the top of the rankings who got over the line.

Vincent was relegated from LIV Golf at the end of the 2024 season, but he ensured his absence would only last for 12 months after finishing top of the rankings.

The Zimbabwean had a disappointing final round of 75 at the PIF Saudi International to place tied for 42nd, but that proved enough following a successful season on the Asian Tour.

Vincent clearly targeted the International Series for a quick LIV Golf return, playing in all nine events, the highlight of which was victory at the International Series Morocco, when he beat Danthai Boonma by four.

Other big performances in Vincent’s International Series campaign included runner-up at the Jakarta International Championship and T10 at the International Series India.

A year ago, Vincent failed to resume his LIV Golf career at its Promotions event after placing T8, but his solid season ensured he made no mistake this time around, leaving him to prepare for his fourth season on the circuit.

After the PIF Saudi International, Vincent said: “Obviously very thankful. It's great that this has worked out for me. I don't know who the other person is, but for both of us, it's going to be great. Obviously I kind of know what I'm going to, and I'm looking forward to that. It's going to be a great challenge.”

The “other person” Vincent referred to is Japanese star Asaji, who finished second in the rankings. The four-time Japan Golf Tour winner earned his card despite missing the cut at the PIF Saudi International following two rounds of 72

That left him facing uncertainty to see if he had done enough. In the end, he finished ahead of Tabuena by over 25 points to earn his contract.

Because of his slump in the final International Series event, Asaji was indebted to a strong showing elsewhere in the season-long competition, most notably victory at the Moutai Singapore Open earlier in November, when he beat Wang in a playoff.

Following the PIF Saudi International, Asaji said it was only after the dust had settled on that win that he realised he had a chance of a LIV Golf contract.

He said: “After winning the Singapore Open, I noticed that I am No. 2 in the International Series rankings, and I thought, oh, I have a pathway to LIV Golf. I have a chance to do this. After winning the Singapore Open, I didn't think about that path. Later on I'm thinking, oh, I'm No. 2. I can do this pathway.”

Asaji, who also came runner-up at the International Series Philippines, joins Jinichiro Kozuma as the only other Japanese player with LIV Golf.

Returning to competitive action in February 2024, following over 11 years away from professional golf, Anthony Kim has his first top 10 since the 2011 Singapore Open.

Playing in the PIF Saudi International, the American carded rounds of 67, 64, 69 and 70 to finish T5th at Riyadh Golf Club, signalling his best ever result since coming back to the professional game.

A three-time winner on the PGA Tour, Kim infamously disappeared from the sport in 2012, citing an Achilles injury that plagued his final season on the circuit, as well as shoulder and hand surgeries, and even spinal fusion treatment.

Speaking to LIV Golf's David Feherty prior to his return, Kim stated: "Golf is important to me and not important to me at the same time.

"I've had some very dark moments. I've had some very low moments. I felt very alone, even when there's a million people around. I needed to get my mind on straight and figure out what my purpose was on this planet..."

Finishing 56th in LIV Golf's individual standings for 2024, Kim was then relegated from the circuit the following year, registering a best finish of T25th at LIV Golf Dallas.

Although he was relegated, he continued to ply his trade on the Asian Tour throughout 2025, specifically their International Series events, where Kim made the cut in four of five tournaments.

Registering a T43rd at the Singapore Open, T63rd at the Link Hong Kong Open and T44th at the Jakarta International Championship, the highlight came at this week's PIF Saudi International.

Producing rounds of 67, 64 and 69 to be 13-under, Kim was able to find four birdies and three bogeys on Saturday to stay inside the top five, with a closing three at the par 4 18th giving him his first top 10 since returning at LIV Golf Jeddah in 2024.

Even though he came up just short of securing a return to the LIV Golf League for 2026, with Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji receiving the two cards offered by the International Series, Kim can take great delight in his hard work paying off.

What's more, for next season, Kim has already suggested that he would be teeing it up in the Asian Tour's International Series, with the chance to return to LIV that way now a slightly greater possibility given there are two cards on offer there as well.

During the Singapore Open, Kim stated: "I am going to play some events (on the International Series and Asian Tour in 2026), but it is a long way over here.

"So, as much as I want to compete, you know, part of my comeback to golf is being with my family. And it is a lot of trouble for the family, so we will pick some events to play."

The Asian Tour's International Series concluded with its biggest event, the PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club.

In the end, a bogey-free final round of 65 was enough for LIV Golfer Josele Ballester to win his first professional title, finishing three shots ahead of Caleb Surratt.

As well as his name being added to the list of winners of the Asian Tour's most prestigious event, he also won some big money, but how much?

The tournament had a purse of $5m - comfortably the most on the Asian Tour this season. The winner was guaranteed 20% of that total, giving the young Spaniard a $1m payout.

It's not just Ballester who heads away from the event significantly wealthier.

Surratt, who was also looking for his maiden professional win, will be disappointed not to be the man who succeeded Joaquin Niemann as champion, but his bank balance has still been boosted by $525,000.

Meanwhile, everyone else in the top 10 also claimed six-figure paydays. Dean Burmester, who finished third, claimed $300,000, with Richard Bland in fourth banking $235,000.

More LIV Golfers finished T5, including Tyrrell Hatton and Branden Grace, and they boosted their coffers by $136,583.

Below is what each player won at the PIF Saudi International.

Saudi International Prize Money Breakdown

A fine third-round 64 catapulted Dean Burmester into a share of the lead at the PIF Saudi International alongside Caleb Surratt - who has been at the top of the leaderboard since round one.

The final International Series event of the season is packed with LIV Golf talent - as over a third of the 120-man field that teed it up at Riyadh Golf Club came from the team tour.

And it's a LIV Golf leaderboard at the PIF Saudi International with the top six all LIV stars - including Burmester and Surratt who lead on 17 under, one shot ahead of Josele Ballester.

Adrian Meronk, who shared the first-round lead with Surratt, is in a tie for fourth on 13 under, alongside Richard Bland after he also shot 64 and Anthony Kim, who looks set for his best finish since his return to golf.

Along with the battle for the Saudi title, there's also the two 'golden tickets' on the line - with the top two in the International Series Rankings at the end of the tournament gaining 2026 LIV Golf cards.

Scott Vincent looks to have one all sewn up, as he entered the event leading the way and is the top contender of the bunch, sitting in seventh place on 12 under.

After second-placed Yosuke Asaji joined a number of big LIV Golf names to miss the cut in Riyadh, the door is open for Miguel Tabuena to make a run at the other card.

The man from the Philippines is doing just that as he's just a shot behind on 11 under, which puts him in a tie for 12th, but he'll need to climb the leaderboard a few places in the final round to claim access to LIV Golf's riches.

Surratt missed out on the Saudi International title last year when losing in a playoff, but he's led from the opening round as he looks for redemption in Riyadh.

The American hasn't been able to match his opening round of 62, following up with a 66 to take the outright lead after round two and now finishing strong to sign for a 68 to tie Burmester heading into the final round.

Surratt was two over after his first four holes, but then made five birdies in seven holes around the turn to ensure he'll play in Sunday's final group fighting it out for the title.

Burmester equalled the round of the day with a flawless 64 - the South African also finished strong as he birdied three of the last four holes to set the pace earlier on.

Young Spaniard Ballester shot 68 to sit in third, while veteran Englishman Bland carded eight birdies and just one late bogey in his round of 64.

Bland is joined by Kim, who was not quite at the level he was on Thursday when he shot 64 - his best round since returning to golf - but he's still in contention after battling back from two front-nine bogeys to shoot 69 and sit fourth.

With over a third of the 120-man field in the PIF Saudi International coming from LIV Golf there was bound to be some that missed the cut, and so it's proved.

As some big names in the golfing world failed to make the cut at the final International Series event of the season at Riyadh Golf club.

There are plenty challenging for the title, with Caleb Surrat leading the field after 36 holes, and the likes of Thomas Pieters, Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk in hot pursuit.

Anthony Kim is also in the mix and playing his best golf since returning to the sport, and after suffering relegation after two seasons with LIV Golf, he could be in the sort of form to play his way back in.

So the LIV Golf leaderboard at the PIF Saudi International has a lot of contenders, but also some top stars who have fallen by the wayside, including Major champions and a once dominant player in the team golf tour.

Here's who missed the cut at the Saudi International.

Joaquin Niemann

The Chilean was the defending Saudi International champion after beating Cameron Smith and Caleb Surratt in a playoff last year, but he won't be challenging for the title this time around.

He finished on one under after a second-round 69 saw an improvement on his opening 72, but he missed the cut by one shot.

It's a disappointment for the five-time LIV Golf tournament winner in 2025, who again finished second to Jon Rahm in the individual standings.

Sergio Garcia

Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia also shot 72-69 the same as Niemann to also miss the cut by just one shot in Riyadh.

The Spaniard has had mixed fortunes in Riyadh, as he also missed the cut in this event last year but then finished T6 and the LIV Golf Riyadh event this past season.

Dustin Johnson

The two-time Major champion is also a two-time winner of the Saudi International so you'd expect big things from him - but both of those victories came on a different course.

And Riyadh Golf Club hasn't been as welcoming as Royal Greens, where Johnson won twice and also finished second, as he missed the cut here last year and also finished T44 at the LIV Golf event.

Johnson started round two on one under after an opening 70, but shot 74 on Thursday to miss the cut by four.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith could only muster two level-par rounds of 71 in Riyadh to miss the cut by a couple of shots - with a triple-bogey seven on the 18th in round one doing a lot of the damage.

The former Open champion did make the playoff here last year, but was T25 at the LIV Golf event and that so-so form was replicated at the Saudi International.

Talor Gooch

Once the dominant figure in LIV, Talor Gooch shot 72-70 in Riyadh to finish on level par and two shots off the cut mark.

The four-time LIV tournament winner has been busy on the Asian Tour recently when playing in Hong Kong and Singapore - finishing T47 and T24 respectively - but has not clicked with Riyadh Golf Club yet with another disappointing return.

Who else missed the cut at the Saudi International?

Matthew Wolff missed the cut in his first event since the end of the LIV Golf season, with obvious signs of rust in his opening round of 77, while Australian Matt Jones joined him after finishing on level par.

Veteran RangeGoat Ben Campbell also missed out, as did Chieh-po Lee and Yubin Jang, along with a couple of hopefuls trying to play their way back onto the LIV Golf tour by getting one of two 'golden tickets' on offer for the top two eligible in the International Series Rankings after this event.

Wade Ormsby had an outside chance but an opening 75 made that a tough ask, and even despite a decent round of 67 on Thursday he missed the cut on level par.

Yosuke Asaji may have lost the most by missing the cut though, after shooting 72-72, as he started the tournament in second spot in the standings but could now be overhauled by Miguel Tabuena depending on his result.

So it'll be a nervy two rounds viewing for the Japanese.

It remains a leaderboard dominated by LIV Golf at the PIF Saudi International as Caleb Surratt took the outright lead after a second-round 66 in Riyadh.

Over a third of the 120-man field in the final International Series event of the season come from LIV Golf, with some big names up and around the top of the leaderboard after two rounds.

Surratt shared the first-round lead with Adrian Meronk, and added a 66 to Thursday's 62 to sit on a 14-under-par total and hold a one-shot lead after 36 holes over Thomas Pieters.

Anthony Kim's best round since making his comeback, a seven-under 64, put him in a tie for third on 11 under, alongside Josele Ballester and Tyrrell Hatton - who both shot 65.

Meronk was eight shots worse off on Friday than Thursday, shooting 70 in the second round to stay well in the hunt on 10 under and four shots off the lead.

Dean Burmester is also on 10 under after a brilliant second-round 63 which he secured thanks to going six under on the back nine alone.

While those current LIV Golf stars are battling it out for the title, there's also two 'golden tickets' up for grabs with the top two in the International Series Rankings at the end of the tournament winning LIV Golf cards for 2026.

Scott Vincent leads the current standings and he's also well placed to win a LIV Golf return at Riyadh Golf Club with two rounds of 67 putting him on eight under and in 12th on the leaderboard at the halfway point.

Vincent's chances have received a big boost as second-placed Yosuke Asaji missed the cut in Riyadh. His recent Moutai Singapore Open victory had catapulted him up the International Series Rankings but he'll have to just watch on in hope over the weekend.

Miguel Tabuena, who won the International Series Philippines in front of his home crowd, is the nearest challenger in third but will still need something like a top-six finish to overhaul Asaji.

Tabuena is on seven under and in T19 heading into the weekend, two shots ahead of Ollie Schniederjans, who could still mathematically pinch a LIV card but will likely need a top three or even victory.

Several big LIV Golf names did not do so well, with the likes of defending champion Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Talor Gooch and Cameron Smith all missing the cut.

Relegated LIV golfer Anthony Kim has surged into contention after two rounds of the PIF Saudi International following his best 18-hole score since making his professional comeback in early 2024.

Having twice shot 65 in competitive rounds over the past two years, Kim signed for a brilliant 64 at Riyadh Golf Club which featured seven birdies and no slip-ups, taking him to 11-under for the tournament and just three strokes off the pace set by Caleb Surratt.

The Californian hardly came out firing at the closing International Series tournament - with five pars, one found fairway and two looks at birdie through the opening section - but settled down excellently and began lighting it up over the final two thirds.

Gains at the sixth, seventh and ninth helped Kim make the turn in 32 strokes - a score he matched down the back half after taking his run of birdies to six in eight holes around the turn.

A steady run coming home left him right up among the leaders before a closing birdie ultimately saw Kim sit T3rd at the halfway stage.

Speaking afterwards, the 40-year-old made a tongue-in-cheek quip regarding help from his wife which led to his great score.

Kim said: “My wife told me that if I make less bogeys than birdies, my score will be good, so I followed that direction well today."

Kim, who is playing his 18th event of 2025 and 32nd since returning to the pro game, continued by reiterating a message he has uttered almost continuously over the past months - more competitive action will lead to better results.

He said: "Yeah, I’m finally starting to see some of the work show. I haven’t been able to swing like I have been in practice rounds and back at home in tournament golf, but it’s starting to show up and starting to feel more comfortable out here."

Kim later stated that he has "fallen back in love" with golf and is simply happy to be playing the game all over the world.

He said: “This is the hardest I have worked since I was a little kid. I (have) fallen back in love with the game. I feel a lot of gratitude playing this game, getting to travel. We were in Dubai last week, in Saudi now. Just looking forward to the future.

“It means that I actually want to go to the golf course. I was so excited to leave the golf course when I had… you know, dealing with some of the mental illness and addiction issues. At this point I am excited to be here. I feel blessed to be here, and I am going to keep working as hard as I can.

“It is a lot easier when you start hitting fairways and making a few putts, absolutely. Getting kicked in the teeth every week over the last two years (on LIV Golf) playing against some of the Major championship winners and some very successful players has been tough. I think I needed to be in that fire and I will be ready for the weekend.”

But does he think he can win a first professional title since the PGA Tour's Shell Houston Open in 2010?

Kim said: "I am not too worried about that. That stuff used to matter to me. Right now I am just working on taking one shot at a time and make good golf swings and enjoy my time here in Saudi Arabia.

"I am not worried about where I am on the leaderboard until the last nine holes on Sunday. I know if I keep playing well, I will give myself a chance, and hopefully I'll be close.”

Although Kim's show of form may have come a little late in the year following his relegation from the LIV Golf League in August, the former World No.6 could still return to the PIF-backed circuit next year if he wins one of the two cards on offer at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida next January.

Alternatively, Kim had already suggested that he would be teeing it up in the Asian Tour's elevated events - the International Series - next year with the chance to return to LIV that way now a slightly greater possibility given there are two cards on offer there as well.

During the Singapore Open, Kim said: “I am going to play some events (on the International Series and Asian Tour in 2026), but it is a long way over here.

"So, as much as I want to compete, you know, part of my comeback to golf is being with my family. And it is a lot of trouble for the family, so we will pick some events to play.”

The field for the PIF Saudi International is dominated by LIV Golfers, with its players comprising over a third of the 120 players in the final International Series event of the season.

After the first round at Riyadh Golf Club, several of its players, among other notable names, are prominent towards the top of the leaderboard.

Two players from the circuit share the lead – Legion XIII’s Caleb Surratt and Adrian Meronk, of Cleeks GC – after the pair carded nine-under rounds of 62 on Wednesday.

Starting from the 10th, Surratt made one bogey in the opening round, but countered that with 10 birdies, including a run of six in a row between the 11th and 16th (his third and eighth), giving him the ideal platform in his bid for his maiden professional title.

As for Meronk, he is looking for his second win at the venue this year. The Pole claimed his maiden LIV Golf win under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club in February, beating Sebastian Munoz and Jon Rahm by two.

Nine months on, his bogey-free round, which saw five successive birdies between the ninth and 13th, will have left him dreaming of a repeat in what would be his first Asian Tour win.

Right behind the leaders is another LIV Golfer, 4Aces GC’s Thomas Pieters, who shot an eight-under 63, while three-time Asian Tour winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat is in fourth on seven under.

As well as Surratt, Meronk and Pieters, five more LIV Golfers are in the top 10 and ties, Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Munoz, Josele Ballester and Tyrrell Hatton, with the latter four back of the lead with 54 holes to play.

While that sets up an intriguing second round, adding to the drama is the battle for some players to earn a LIV Golf contract, with cards heading to the top two in the International Series rankings at the end of the tournament.

Former LIV Golfer Scott Vincent leads the way in the rankings, and he made a solid start in Riyadh with a four-under 67 to sit in a tie for 16th.

Helped by his recent Moutai Singapore Open victory, Yosuke Asaji is second in the rankings but endured a frustrating opening round, carding a one-over 72 to leave him tied for 91st overnight.

Miguel Tabuena, who won the International Series Philippines in front of his home crowd, is hot on the heels of Asaji in the rankings. Like Vincent, he is also well set after the first round following a 67 to leave him tied for 16th.

Five more players are still mathematically capable of finishing in the top two of the rankings to earn a ticket to LIV Golf.

Ollie Schniederjans, who was a LIV Golf reserve this year and is fifth in the rankings, begins the second round three under in T27 as does Kazuki Higa, who is 10th in the International Series.

Danthai Boonma, who is 11th in the rankings, is tied for 42nd at two under, with the player 12th in the rankings, Jeunghun Wang, tied for 16th on four under.

However, it’s not looking good for Wade Ormsby, who won the Jakarta International Championship in October. He began the week fourth in the International Series rankings but faces an uphill battle to make the cut after a disastrous five-over left him tied for 115th.

Meanwhile, another notable name struggling after the opening round is defending champion Joaquin Niemman. He is tied for 91st after 18 holes following a one-over 72.

Not for the first time, LIV Golfers dominated the PIF Saudi International with Josele Ballester claiming his maiden professional title at the Asian Tour event among a host of players from the circuit in the chasing pack.

As well as the Fireballs GC player, who won by three, other LIV Golfers in the top 10 of the leaderboard following the final round at Riyadh Golf Club were Caleb Surratt, Dean Burmester, Richard Bland, Lucas Herbert, Jason Kokrak, Branden Grace and Tyrrell Hatton.

Meanwhile, the relegated Anthony Kim, who claimed his first top-10 finish for over a decade at the tournament, placed T5, eight shots back of Ballester.

Immediately outside the top 10 were four more LIV Golfers, Marc Leishman, Paul Casey, Charles Howell III and Cameron Tringale, with David Puig, Tom McKibbin and Peter Uihlein all finishing in the top 20.

Abraham Ancer, who won the title in 2023, placed T33, while 2022 winner Harold Varner III finished tied for 50th on seven under.

Despite plenty of strong performances from LIV Golfers, it wasn't a successful week for all those in the field.

The defending champion was Joaquin Niemann, but he missed the cut, along with more big names from the circuit including Cameron Smith and two-time winner Dustin Johnson.

Below is the final LIV Golf leaderboard at the PIF Saudi International.

Final LIV Golf Leaderboard At The PIF Saudi International

• 1st - Josele Ballester (-22)
• 2nd - Caleb Surratt (-19)
• T3 - Dean Burmester (-17)
• 4th - Richard Bland (-16)
• T5 - Lucas Herbert (-14)
• T5 - Jason Kokrak (-14)
• T5 - Branden Grace (-14)
• T5 - Tyrrell Hatton (-14)
• T5 - Anthony Kim* (-14)
• T11 - Marc Leishman (-13)
• T11 - Paul Casey (-13)
• T11 - Charles Howell III (-13)
• T11 - Cameron Tringale (-13)
• 16th - David Puig (-12)
• T20 - Tom McKibbin (-11)
• T20 - Peter Uihlein (-11)
• T27 - Graeme McDowell (-10)
• T27 - Thomas Pieters (-10)
• T33 - Abraham Ancer (-9)
• T33 - Brendan Steele (-9)
• T33 - Patrick Reed (-9)
• T42 - Maximilian Rottluff** (-8)
• T42 - Kevin Na (-8)
• T42 - Frederik Kjettrup* (-8)
• T42 - Louis Oosthuizen (-8)
• T42 - Abirban Lahiri (-8)
• T50 - Jinichiro Kozuma (-7)
• T50 - Carlos Ortiz (-7)
• T50 - Harold Varner III (-7)
• T50 - Sebastian Munoz (-7)
• 57th - Martin Kaymer (-6)
• T60 - Sam Horsfield (-4)
• T60 - Ollie Schniederjans** (-4)
• MC - Sergio Garcia (-1)
• MC - Joaquin Niemann (-1)
• MC - Talor Gooch (E)
• MC - Cameron Smith (E)
• MC - Wade Ormsby** (E)
• MC - Matt Jones (E)
• MC - John Catlin** (+1)
• MC - Ben Campbell (+2)
• MC - Dustin Johnson (+2)
• MC - Chieh-po Lee*** (+3)
• MC - Yubin Jang* (+4)
• MC - Matthew Wolff (+7)
  
  * Relegated in 2025
  ** Reserve players
  ***Wildcard players

At the halfway stage of the 2025 PIF Saudi International, there are a number of LIV golfers who are near the top of the leaderboard at Riyadh Golf Club.

Legion XIII's Caleb Surratt heads the now-74-man-field at 14-under, but Thomas Pieters of 4Aces sits right behind in solo second.

Somewhat surprisingly, given his form since returning from a 12-year hiatus, Anthony Kim is currently in T3rd following his best competitive round for over a decade.

The trio will head off last in Friday's third round, continuing their title challenge at 11:05am local time (3:05am ET).

It's an all-LIV trio in the penultimate group as well, as Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk and Josele Ballester attempt to close the gap to Surratt at the summit. They will begin at 10:54am local time (2:54am ET) on Friday.

Just outside of the top-10, which contains eight LIV golfers, is a man who stands in the prime position to join them next year. Scott Vincent is T12th through 36 holes and will start his third round at 10:32am local time alongside Yuta Sugiura and amateur, Adam Bresnu.

Multiple more tee times throughout the morning feature at least one LIV golfer in them as over half of the 40-plus who began the week in Riyadh made it through to rounds three and four. However, a handful of big names missed the cut.

Below is the complete list of round three tee times at the 2025 PIF Saudi International.

PIF Saudi International Tee Times: Round Three

1st Tee (local time/ET)

• 6:31am (10:31pm) - Soomin Lee, Kevin Yuan
• 6:42am (10:42pm) - Sam Horsfield, James Piot
• 6:53am (10:53pm) - Kevin Na, Harold Varner III, Bjorn Hellgren
• 7:04am (11:04pm) - Zach Bauchou, Patrick Reed, Pavit Tangkamolprasert
• 7:15am (11:15pm) - Jinichiro Kozuma, Gunn Charoenkul, Rattanon Wannasrichan
• 7:26am (11:26pm) - Scott Hend, Jack Buchanan, Kazuki Higa
• 7:37am (11:37pm) - Ryan Peake, Maximilian Rottluff, Brendan Steele
• 7:48am (11:48pm) - Sampson Zheng, Bobby Bai, Reda El Hali (a)
• 7:59am (11:59pm) - Santiago De la Fuente, Abraham Ancer, Sarit Suwannarut
• 8:10am (12:10am) - Micah Shin, Richard T. Lee, Travis Smyth
• 8:26am (12:26am) - David Puig, Luis Masaveu, Charles Howell III
• 8:37am (12:37am) - Frederik Kjettrup, Jazz Janewattananond, Settee Prakongvech
• 8:48am (12:48am) - Carlos Ortiz, Ian Gilligan, Charlie Lindh
• 8:59am (12:59am) - Sadom Kaewkanjana, Wei-hsuan Wang, Martin Kaymer
• 9:10am (1:10am) - Lucas Herbert, Ollie Schniederjans, Kieran Vincent
• 9:21am (1:21am) - Graeme McDowell, Cameron Tringale, Richard Bland
• 9:32am (1:32am) - Jaco Ahlers, Taichi Kho, Louis Oosthuizen
• 9:43am (1:43am) - Miguel Tabuena, Doyeob Mun, Tom McKibbin
• 9:59am (1:59am) - Sebastian Munoz, Branden Grace, Seonghyeon Kim
• 10:10am (2:10am) - Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Paul Casey, Anirban Lahiri
• 10:21am (2:21am) - Peter Uihlein, Marc Leishman, Danthai Boonma
• 10:32am (2:32am) - Scott Vincent, Yuta Sugiura, Adam Bresnu (a)
• 10:43am (2:43am) - Jason Kokrak, Seungbin Choi, Dean Burmester
• 10:54am (2:54am) - Adrian Meronk, Tyrrell Hatton, Josele Ballester
• 11:05am (3:05am) - Anthony Kim, Thomas Pieters, Caleb Surratt

This Week In Golf: Jonny Leighfield’s regular look at the biggest stories in professional golf, tournament previews and other key details you need to know.

It's another massive few days in the world of professional golf, with the futures of multiple players on several different tours to be decided by Sunday evening.

While the DP World Tour is enjoying a well-earned break before kicking off its new season in Australia next week, the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Asian Tour are all winding up for arguably their most important sequence of the year.

The final events of the season on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and in the Asian Tour's International Series will see long-lasting repercussions for some players while others will see their dreams turn into reality.

Meanwhile, plenty has already happened and will continue to occur outside of the biggest pro circuits. Below are some of the key storylines for you to watch out for this week in golf.

TWO LIV GOLF CARDS AWARDED

The PIF Saudi International is taking place at Riyadh Golf Club this week, bringing the curtain down on the Asian Tour's International Series for another year.

While it is not finale of the Asian Tour schedule for 2025, the $5 million event - which begins on Wednesday and ends on Saturday - will decide which two players take spots in the LIV Golf League next year.

LIV announced it would be doubling its qualification pathway via the International Series earlier this month, giving the leading pair of eligible pros the chance to compete for $20 million payouts every week.

As a result of the lucrative opportunity, over 40 LIV players - past and present - are teeing it up in the hopes of securing their respective futures.

PGA TOUR FUTURES DECIDED

The RSM Classic is the last of seven FedEx Cup Fall events in 2025 and, as such, marks the final opportunity for members to retain their playing rights on the PGA Tour.

Plenty of notable names face an uphill battle to keep their cards in 2026, with the only guaranteed method of sticking around being winning at Sea Island Golf Club, Georgia.

Although there is a slightly increased prize purse compared to most FedEx Cup Fall events, very few of the players will be too worried about the check they pick up at the end of the week, so long as they're still PGA Tour members next term.

JEENO THITIKUL CAN WIN IT ALL

The LPGA Tour's CME Group Tour Championship will decide a handful of different awards in the elite women's circuit, including who is named Race To CME Globe champion.

60 of the LPGA Tour's best are teeing it up at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, with each hoping to land the $4 million top prize from a total payout of $11 million.

Should World No.1 Jeeno Thitikul manage to defend her title in the campaign finale, she would sweep most of the season-long awards.

Already favorite to win the Vare Trophy - given to the player with the lowest scoring average throughout the season - and the Rolex Player of the Year, Thitikul needs to earn around $250,000 more than Minjee Lee to land the Money List title as well.

Despite Thitikul holding a near-800-point lead over Lee in the Race To CME Globe rankings, the Thai star is $244,058 behind her Australian rival in the LPGA Tour's Money List and will require a strong end to the season in Florida.

HENRIK STENSON RETURNS

Less than three years after playing his last DP World Tour event before moving to the LIV Golf League, Henrik Stenson is officially returning to the European circuit ahead of 2026.

The DP World Tour confirmed to Golf Monthly on Monday that the Swede has no outstanding fines and has applied for DP World Tour membership once again, although it is not yet clear which event he will make his second debut in.

ELSEWHERE

• Jennifer Kupcho banked $1 million bonus payout for winning Aon Risk Reward Challenge while Brooke Matthews scored a two-year lease on a Lamborghini thanks to her first-ever hole-in-one at The Annika
• Bridgestone has unveiled a new prototype golf ball that Jason Day already uses and Tiger Woods could end up using in the future
• Charlie Hull followed Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in putting the new TaylorMade Qi4 driver in her bag at The Annika
• The Open Championship being held at Royal Portrush led to the country's economy being boosted by $369 million, per The R&A
• Marco Penge and Jordan Smith are among the 10 DP World Tour players to earn dual status on the PGA Tour following the culmination of the DP World Tour Championship
• Henni Zuel has joined the LIV Golf League broadcast team after almost 10 years at Sky Sports Golf

There's a bumper LIV Golf contingent in the field for the PIF Saudi International - including the likes of Tyrrell Hatton and Dustin Johnson - for the final tournament in the Asian Tour's International Series.

It's a showpiece event on the Asian Tour, and also sponsored by the Saudi PIF - who back LIV Golf - so there's plenty of representation from the team-based tour at Riyadh Golf Club.

From a field size listed as 120, over a third have played on LIV Golf in 2025, with 47 players so far entered from the team tour, including those who were either relegated or played as reserves this year.

The event, which takes place at Riyadh Golf Club between November 19-22, will also settle which players receive the two 'golden tickets' and earn LIV Golf cards for next year from those eligible in the International Series rankings.

Englishman Hatton is one of the biggest names in the field, alongside former Saudi International champions Johnson, Graeme McDowell, Joaquin Niemann, Abraham Ancer and Harold Varner III.

Two-time LIV Golf individual champion Jon Rahm is not one of the LIV Golf names currently in the field though.

He's not the only one, as fellow big stars Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson's names aren't currently listed, along with Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Bubba Watson.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia is down to tee it up in Riyadh though, with Patrick Reed another and exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin joining them.

Veteran Paul Casey is joined by Major champions Cameron Smith, Martin Kaymer and Louis Oosthuizen in what's turning out to be a big-name field for the event thanks to the mass of LIV Golf competitors.

Saudi International field 2025 - LIV Golf players

• Tyrrell Hatton
• Dustin Johnson
• Graeme McDowell
• Joaquin Niemann
• Abraham Ancer
• Harold Varner III
• Patrick Reed
• Tom McKibbin
• Carlos Ortiz
• David Puig
• Peter Uihlein
• Thomas Pieters
• Louis Oosthuizen
• Dean Burmester
• Branden Grace
• Lee Chieh-po
• Jinichiro Kozuma
• Ben Campbell
• Anthony Kim
• Matt Jones
• Anirban Lahiri
• Lucas Herbert
• Sebastian Munoz
• Josele Ballester
• Cameron Tringale
• Brendan Steele
• Frederik Kjettrup
• Adrian Meronk
• Danny Lee
• Yubin Jang
• Matthew Wolff
• Richard Bland
• Sam Horsfield
• Charles Howell III
• Talor Gooch
• Cameron Smith
• Marc Leishman
• Martin Kaymer
• Paul Casey
• Jason Kokrak
• Caleb Surrat
• Sergio Garcia
• Kevin Na
• Wade Ormsby
• Ollie Schniederjans
• John Catlin
• Luis Masaveu

Relegated from the LIV Golf League in 2025, the future remains uncertain for Anthony Kim who has admitted he still wants to play pro golf "for a few more years" yet but is not sure exactly when and where he will tee it up moving forward.

The 40-year-old came back from a 12-year hiatus at the start of 2024 and played for almost two full seasons on the PIF-backed circuit before losing his spot in August.

Despite being relegated, Kim produced a few bright moments this term - including a season-best T25 at LIV Golf Dallas and T29 at LIV Golf Miami. The American also shot his best 36-hole score since returning at this week's Moutai Singapore Open prior to finishing T43rd.

Kim's latest appearance arrived in the penultimate International Series event of the year with only the PIF Saudi International to come before two LIV Golf League cards are handed out to the leading pair of eligible golfers.

As Kim will not be one of them, his attention is turning to the LIV Promotions event early next year.

But regardless of whether he is successful in obtaining one of the two cards on offer in Florida, Kim admitted he is very likely to make the majority of his pro starts next year on the Asian Tour in International Series events - even if he won't play all 10.

Speaking midway through the Moutai Singapore Open, won by Yosuke Asaji, Kim said: “This is something I am looking forward to and yes, regardless, I am going to play for a few more years.

"I do not know how long I want to play golf for, but this is something I am committed to. I am motivated to play as good as I can, work as hard as I can, and the results will speak for themselves.

“I am going to play some events (on the International Series and Asian Tour), but it is a long way over here. So, as much as I want to compete, you know, part of my comeback to golf is being with my family. And it is a lot of trouble for the family, so we will pick some events to play.”

The three-time PGA Tour winner made the cut in three of his past four International Series starts, but is yet to break into the top-25 of a full-field Asian Tour event.

Nevertheless, the 2008 US Ryder Cup star is convinced his game is in a good place and believes even better results are only around the corner.

He said: “Overall, my ball striking has gotten a lot better. I finally am doing the stuff I practice at home out here on the golf course. I've just got to get a few more putts to fall, and things will change pretty quickly.”

While that won't happen in front of growing LIV crowds, Kim remains popular wherever he plays and is counting on that support as he takes the next step in his comeback.

Touching on the support he receives, Kim said: "It inspires me, for sure, absolutely it does.

"You know, this has been a long journey. The last two years have been pretty tough. I was getting my teeth kicked in every week, coming to LIV Golf and playing without having much practice.

"But I have been working hard. Obviously, it is a disappointment (to be relegated) but I am more motivated than ever to keep doing well."

In a thrilling final day at the Moutai Singapore Open, it was Yosuke Asaji who got over the line to secure a first Asian Tour victory in six-and-a-half years.

Last claiming the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup in May 2019, the 32-year-old had endured a lengthy run without victory on the circuit but, following a playoff win over Jeunghun Wang, Asaji finally put his name back in the winners circle.

Starting the final round, it was Wang, Soomin Lee and James Piot who led at 15-under-par, with the latter looking to secure the title and bolster his chances of potentially returning to the LIV Golf League.

For Piot, though, it wasn't to be. He fell back on Sunday, carding a three-over-par 75 to finish back in a share of 18th alongside six other players.

That left the leaders to battle it out at The Singapore Island Country Club and, among those was eventual winner Asaji, who started his round one shot back of the three-way tie.

In fact, the Japanese player couldn't have started his round any better as, following a par at the first, he found five straight birdies to take the lead, as two bogeys and two birdies in his final 10 holes meant a five-under 67 for his day.

Wang, meanwhile, made quite the opposite start to Asaji, as the South Korean player sat one-over-par through seven holes, leaving himself work to do coming in.

Thankfully, for the 30-year-old, he was able to make five birdies over the final 11 holes, including back-to-back gains on the 17th and 18th, to join Asaji in the clubhouse at 19-under, one better than Rattanon Wannasrichan and overnight leader Lee.

Heading to a playoff, it took just one hole to decide the winner, as Asaji managed to roll in a six-footer to secure the title, becoming the first Japanese winner of the Moutai Singapore Open in nearly 50 years.

The victory means Asaji has moved to fifth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and second on The International Series Rankings, a big move with a LIV Golf League card on the line.

Speaking after his victory, the two-time Asian Tour winner stated: "I am so, so happy. Today I was able to read the lines on the greens well, it was perfect.

"I think the putt for par on 15 was the most important one. This win means so much to me. It is my first win overseas – something I have always dreamed of."

There are no Major spots on the line this time around, as there was in Hong Kong, but the rewards remain bountiful for anyone who still stands a chance of winning the Asian Tour's latest event.

In the first tournament since LIV Golf announced an extra card would be available to the leading eligible players in the International Series Rankings, there is also another impressive payout on offer to the field of this week's Moutai Singapore Open.

Whether players are focused on the immediate $2 million total payout at The Singapore Island Country Club or their attention is concentrated on long-term goals, a win here would go a long way to achieving the best of both worlds.

It is also important to make it happen sooner rather than later as the Singapore Open serves as the penultimate International Series event of the year. After this, players only have the PIF Saudi International to change their fate.

Currently, Scott Vincent holds a 104-point lead over Miguel Tabuena in second in the standings, but the recently-expanded pathway to LIV means that the Filipino golfer is now looking over his shoulder instead of up at the Zimbabwean.

Tabuena entered the Singapore Open just under 19 points ahead of Lucas Herbert in third and only 26.19 points in front of Wade Ormsby in fourth.

Whichever pro stands in the winner's circle later today will collect the usual $360,000 as well as a sizeable chunk of International Series ranking points.

The runner-up is destined to receive $220,000 should they finish second alone, while ending third or fourth should still see players bank in excess of six figures.

Below is the full prize money breakdown at the 2025 Moutai Singapore Open, with the maximum payout per position listed based on 75 players making the cut.

Singapore Open Prize Money Breakdown

Professional golfers being disqualified from tournaments is a rarity in this day and age, but this week was slightly different.

Changwoo Lee, who was competing at the Moutai Singapore Open on the Asian Tour, found himself disqualified on Thursday, while Muni He, who was competing at the Aramco China Championship on the Ladies European Tour was also disqualified on Friday.

You may wonder what the reasons were for the disqualification? Well, Lee arrived late to his tee time in Singapore, while He signed an incorrect scorecard, leaving both to be disqualified from their respective tournaments.

In fact, for Lee, the South Korean star didn't even hit a competitive shot in the International Series event, as the former Asia-Pacific Amateur winner was late for his tee time.

There is a five-minute period after the official tee time where a player will be handed a two-shot penalty but, because Lee arrived after that five minute period, he was consequently disqualified.

The tee time had been 1.20pm from the 10th tee, with Lee playing alongside Maximilian Rottluff and Sean Ramos.

In terms of He, the Chinese star was teeing it up in her home country and the final PIF Global Series event of the season.

Carding a four-under 69 first round, He then produced a level-par 73 on Friday, but was then disqualified after the 26-year-old signed an incorrect scorecard.

Releasing a statement to her Instagram story following the disqualification, He wrote: "Hi everyone, just a quick update, I won’t be playing tomorrow here in Shenzhen due to signing the wrong scorecard.

"This is the first time this has happened in my 20 years of playing competitive golf. I’m extremely disappointed that this happened here in China, in front of my home crowd. However, as a golfer, I wished to take accountability for the situation.

"I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received this entire week, and thank you to all the fans that came out and watched."

Going into the final round of the Moutai Singapore Open, Jeunghun Wang, James Piot and Soomin Lee lead at 15-under, as 18 players sit within four shots of the leaders at The Singapore Island Country Club.

At Mission Hills China, home favorite Ruixin Liu claimed the individual victory by three shots after rounds of 70, 65 and 68.

The team event was won by Mimi Rhodes' side, as Rhodes, Kristyna Napoleaova, Trichat Cheenglab and Kultida Pramphun fired a 39-under total to win by four strokes.

Anthony Kim's improved form continued at the International Series in Singapore as he made the cut again, with his best 36-hole score since his return to men's pro golf.

After shooting five under last time out in Hong Kong, Kim this time made it to the weekend by finishing round two of the Moutai Singapore Open on seven under.

That leaves the American just five shots off the lead as he continues to play his best golf since coming back to the sport and playing in LIV Golf.

After being relegated from LIV, Kim predicted "great results are in front of me" before embarking on his Asian Tour swing, and his predictions have so far come true.

Kim added a Friday 69 to his opening 68 in Singapore in a much more mixed bag of a round - with three bogeys, four birdies and an eagle at The Singapore Island Country Club.

Kim is still some way off halfway tournament leader Soomin Lee, who carded a second round of 64 to sit on 12 under par and a two-shot lead.

There's an army of challengers lining up behind Lee though, with 10 players sitting on 10 under and just a couple off the lead.

The group includes Ollie Schniederjans, who is chasing down one of the 'golden tickets' into LIV Golf available for the top two in the final International Series Rankings.

Kevin Yuan, Matthew Cheung, Ian Snyman, Wang Wei-hsuan, John Catlin, Sarit Suwannarut, James Piot, Caleb Surratt and Jeunghun Wang are the others hunting down the leader.

Leader Vincent misses the cut

International Series Rankings leader Scott Vincent suffered a big blow to his chances of getting back into LIV Golf as he missed the cut in Singapore.

The Zimbabwean missed out by one and can now only watch as challengers for one of those golden tickets can lay down their markers over the weekend.

Filipino Miguel Tabuena is one of those, sitting in third on the International Series Rankings list, as he shot 68 to go into the weekend on eight under.

The $2 million event is back on the schedule after a three-year hiatus.

The closing stages of the Asian Tour's International Series have taken on even more significance than usual with two LIV Golf cards available for the first time this season.

LIV Golf recently announced that two cards would be up for grabs for the top two eligible players in the International Series Rankings at the end of the season - an increase from the usual one on offer.

The change has been made with an eye on the Official World Golf Ranking, to help with LIV Golf's second application to get OWGR points, as wider promotion and relegation was cited as a big reason for the initial rejection.

And unlike last year, when Joaquin Niemann finished top but was already in LIV, the top two 'eligible' players in the rankings will now win a spot on the lucrative team tour.

Following the Moutai Singapore Open, there is now just one event left of the season, the PIF Saudi International, which takes place between November 19th and 22nd.

Despite there only being one opportunity left for players to clinch a card via the International Series, several players will still be eyeing the possibility.

Scott Vincent, who finished top in 2022 to earn a spot in LIV Golf, currently tops the rankings and looks a decent bet to book a return.

The Zimbabwean spent three seasons on LIV Golf before being relegated after the 2024 season, but now has one hand on a 'golden ticket' back into the Saudi-backed circuit.

Before the Moutai Singapore Open, Miguel Tabuena, who won the International Series Philippines in front of his home crowd, had held second place. However, Yosuke Asaji won in Singapore, meaning the Japanese player is in second place ahead of Tabuena in third.

International Series Rankings

Current LIV Golfer Lucas Herbert is in fourth, but a player hoping for a card is immediately below him, Ollie Schniederjans, who was a LIV Golf reserve this year and won February's International Series India.

The experienced Wade Ormsby, who played in two LIV events this year as a reserve, sits in sixth as he chases a full-time spot.

Beneath him are LIV Golf regulars Peter Uihlein, Carlos Ortiz and Tom McKibbin, leaving Kazuki Higa to complete the top 10.

The Japanese star is currently 124.43 behind his compatriot occupying the final slot for a LIV Golf card, leaving the door open to take it at the last opportunity.

Others still mathematically capable of earning the second LIV Golf contract include Danthai Boonma in 11th and Jeunghun Wang in 12th.

The final International Series events are also important for those who miss out on direct cards, as the next top 10 available players get straight into the second round of the LIV Golf Promotions event.

The four-round tournament has moved from the Middle East to Florida, and will take place on The Ranch course at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto between January 8th and 11th,

There will be another two LIV Golf cards up for grabs there instead of one in another move to help with OWGR recognition.

The next best 25 players will go into the first round of LIV Golf Promotions, so it really is all to play for heading down the stretch of the Asian Tour's elevated series.

LIV Golf has announced that it will offer two cards to The International Series Rankings this year.

The elevated Asian Tour series has previously offered just one 'golden ticket' to the LIV Golf League, won by Scott Vincent in 2022 and Andy Ogletree in 2023. Joaquin Niemann topped the rankings last season but was already a LIV Golf player.

This time around, the the top two 'eligible' players in the International Series Rankings will receive exempt status in LIV Golf next year, it has been confirmed.

The season has just two events remaining, starting with this week's Singapore Open and moving on to the Saudi International finale.

It is thought the move has been made to appease the Official World Golf Ranking, with LIV Golf currently undergoing a second application to be sanctioned by the OWGR to receive points in its tournaments.

One of the sticking points that led to the application being withdrawn last time, it is believed, was due to the league's relegation/promotion system.

The promotion system has now been bolstered with this announcement, while the relegation system was also amended this year with captains able to be dropped.

That was seen with Henrik Stenson, who finished in the Drop Zone, being relegated and only able to return via the International Series or LIV Golf Promotions.

Details of this year's LIV Golf Promotions have not been confirmed yet but reports state it could take place in the US and have two cards up for grabs.

Last year's event was held in Saudi Arabia and offered one LIV Golf card.

As things stand with two events remaining, Scott Vincent tops the International Series Rankings ahead of Miguel Tabuena in second, after the Filipino man won the International Series Philippines in front of his home crowd last month.

Other non-LIV players in contention for the two spots include Wade Ormsby in 4th, Ollie Schniederjans in 6th, Kazuki Higa in 9th and Danthai Boonma in 10th.

The two players to earn their cards via the International Series Rankings will be available for teams to sign via the LIV Golf offseason transfer window.

"This is an extremely positive development for our members and firmly cements our partnership with LIV Golf," said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.

"The extra spot is a phenomenal opportunity for our members to rise to one of the pinnacle platforms in our game and there is no doubt that the top two positions will be fiercely contested over the next two events.”

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “We offer a proven, open pathway onto the LIV Golf League and with this season’s route offering not one but two opportunities to progress, there is a real life-changing opportunity for the players to grasp.

“The International Series is committed to presenting the players with opportunity, be it the pathway to LIV Golf or the chance to face up against world-class players. We also provide local elite talent in each of our destinations with the opportunity to compete against proven champions.

"Recent results - where Asian Tour players have triumphed, is clear evidence of the wealth of talent in the region that is enhanced by the opportunities of The International Series.”

LIV Golf's Tom McKibbin carded a closing seven-under round of 63 to complete a highly impressive wire-to-wire victory at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman led by just one shot going into the final round of the $2 million event but stepped on the gas pedal at Hong Kong Golf Club to run away with the title and secure spots at The Masters and The Open Championship next year.

McKibbin's third professional victory, which arrived in his maiden Asian Tour start, was wrapped up with a score of 27-under-par - seven strokes clear of Peter Uihlein in second. It was the lowest-ever winning total in the event's 66-year history by five shots and matched the widest-ever margin of victory.

McKibbin's comfortable triumph was helped significantly by his opening round of 60 on Thursday. Subsequent five-under rounds then ensured the 23-year-old remained ahead all the way into Sunday.

But while his rivals faltered down the stretch, McKibbin pulled away via eight birdies in round four and just the one bogey which arrived on the 72nd hole. That was only his third of the entire week.

As a result of his success at the Asian Tour's International Series tournament - which serves as one of the new qualifying events for the two aforementioned Majors - McKibbin will enjoy his Masters debut next April before making a third appearance at The Open.

Reacting to his achievement afterwards, McKibbin said: "Yeah, it was obviously amazing. I played some of the best golf I have probably ever played. So, yeah, to have that sort of golf and to shoot those scores around here is pretty special.

"It means a lot. I mean, with a tournament with so much history behind it, and you know, great players that have won this tournament, to have the scoring record is pretty special and something that will definitely live with me forever.

“Very excited to go back and play my third Open, it will be very, very cool. And to have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever, it will be even more special."

It could, and possibly should, have been a more nerve-wracking finale for McKibbin, but for a quadruple-bogey eight from Uihlein on the par-4 14th which immediately ended the American's already slim chances of catching the runaway leader.

Despite the snowman, McKibbin's LIV Golf peer hung on for solo second on 20-under and consequently earned the $220,000 runner-up prize.

Japan's Tomoyo Ikemura, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen and USA's M.J. Maguire all shared third a stroke further back.

A three-way tie for sixth (-18) was made up of Wenyi Ding, Matt Jones and Scott Hend while Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Thomas Pieters and Charles Howell III completed the top-10 in T9th on 17-under.

Next week, the Asian Tour's campaign continues with the Moutai Singapore Open - the penultimate International Series event of the year.

The stakes are extremely high at this week's Link Hong Kong Open. Not only is there a big winner's check on the line in this latest International Series tournament, but the champion will also seal his path into two Majors next year.

Whoever stands in the winner's circle after Sunday's final round can start planning for starts at The Masters in April and The Open Championship in July after both Majors announced altered qualification routes earlier this year.

As a result of the precious opportunity and the difficult of forging a route via the LIV Golf League due to a lack of OWGR points, over 30 players from the PIF-backed circuit began the Hong Kong Open desperately attempting to make their dreams come true.

Defending champion Patrick Reed was one of them, although the defending champion has a place at The Masters for life after winning in 2018. Reed does not have a place at The Open, however, after missing the cut at Royal Portrush.

Although the ultimate prize of Major starts may well be the key driving force for those in the final group on Sunday, everyone who makes the cut will still be able to enjoy the consolation prize of a healthy financial payout from a total pot of $2 million.

As is the case in each of the Asian Tour's elevated tournaments this season, the Hong Kong Open champion will earn $360,000.

The runner-up is in line to collect around $220,000 while third and fourth could still bank in excess of six figures if they can separate themselves from the rest of the chasing pack.

The remainder of the top-10 can expect at least $35,000 while everyone who plays the weekend should scoop over $3,000.

Below is the full prize money breakdown at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, with the maximum payout per position listed based on 75 players making the cut at Hong Kong Golf Club.

Hong Kong Open Prize Money Breakdown

With just 18 holes remaining of the Link Hong Kong Open, it's Tom McKibbin who leads by a single shot going into Sunday.

Carding a course record on Thursday, firing a 10-under 60, the 22-year-old is on course to not just claim a maiden Asian Tour victory, but also a spot at The Masters and Open Championship.

Sitting one clear of MJ Maguire, McKibbin also leads several LIV Golf stars, including Peter Uihlein, who is 18-under and searching for a third International Series victory in 18 months.

As mentioned, there's not just the historic title on the line, but also spots in the Majors for 2026, that's because for the first time this year the winner will earn his place at Augusta National and Royal Birkdale next year.

McKibbin has led since the first round and will get his Sunday underway at 11.36am local time. He plays alongside Maguire and Uihlein.

HONG KONG OPEN FINAL ROUND TEE TIMES

Local Time (ET)

• 7.25am (7.25pm): Ian Snyman, Jason Kokrak
• 7.35am (7.35pm): Paul Casey, Ben Campbell, Denzel Ieremia
• 7.46am (7.46pm): Jeunghun Wang, Chang, Wei-lun, Ajeetesh Sandhu
• 7.57am (7.57pm): Kevin Na, Yubin Jang, Guntaek Koh
• 8.08am (8.08pm): John Catlin, Shun Yat Hak, Maverick Antcliff
• 8.19am (8.19pm): Ratchanon Chantananuwat (a), SSP Chawrasia, Talor Gooch
• 8.30am (8.30pm): Wei-hsuan Wang, Anthony Kim, Settee Prakongvech
• 8.41am (8.41pm): Eugenio Chacarra, Sadom Kaewkanjana, Suradit Yongcharoenchai
• 8.52am (8.52pm): Sam Horsfield, Kensei Hirata, Sarit Suwannarut
• 9.08am (9.08pm): Bjorn Hellgren, Patrick Reed, Sarut Vongchaisit
• 9.19am (9.19pm): Soomin Lee, Scott Vincent, Travis Smyth
• 9.30am (9.30pm): Kazuki Higa, Richard Bland, Ashun Wu
• 9.41am (9.41pm): Rattanon Wannasrichan, Ekpharit Wu, Suteepat Prateeptienchai
• 9.52am (9.52pm): Hiroshi Iwata, Kieran Vincent, Kyungnam Kang
• 10.03am (10.03pm): Harold Varner III, Miguel Tabuena, Josele Ballester
• 10.14am (10.14pm): Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Anirban Lahiri, David Puig
• 10.30am (10.30pm): Ervin Chang, James Piot, Charl Schwartzel
• 10.41am (10.41pm): Yosuke Asaji, Jazz Janewattananond, Wenyi Ding
• 10.52am (10.52pm): Atiruj Winaicharoenchai, Austen Truslow, Thomas Pieters
• 11.03am (11.03pm): Matt Jones, Tomoyo Ikemura, Micah Shin
• 11.14am (11.14pm): Poom Saksansin, Charles Porter, Louis Oosthuizen
• 11.25am (11.25pm): Charles Howell III, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Scott Hend
• 11.36am (11.36pm): Peter Uihlein, MJ Maguire, Tom McKibbin