The International Series will open its 2026 season by returning to the outstanding Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba for International Series Japan. The tournament will be played from April 2 to 5, launching The International Series Rankings race for coveted places in the LIV Golf League in 2027.

Following a successful debut in 2025, the US$2 million event returns with increased momentum, reinforcing the Series’ commitment to markets where golf has a long and proud history. Set among rolling hills and natural woodland within reach of Tokyo, Caledonian offers a demanding yet refined stage for the season opener, with its layout and conditions placing a premium on precision, course management and patience.

Lucas Herbert [main picture], a member of the Ripper GC team on the LIV Golf League, triumphed last year with his maiden International Series title. The Australian produced a commanding five-shot victory at Caledonian, where strong decision making and disciplined execution were rewarded across the week.

International Series Japan blends the country’s rich golfing heritage with an elite field drawn from LIV Golf, the Asian Tour and leading Japanese players, who will relish the opportunity to compete against top talent on home soil.

Japan has emerged as one of the standout nations on the Asian Tour, highlighted by Kazuki Higa becoming the first Japanese player to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2025. The country’s players have also made a strong impact on The International Series, with Yosuke Asaji finishing runner-up in the 2025 Rankings to earn a LIV Golf League card. Higa and rising talent Yuta Sugiura also impressed, finishing 10th and 16th respectively.

International Series Japan venue Caledonian Golf Club.  Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said launching the season in Japan reflects both the event’s momentum and the broader ambitions of the Series. “Opening the season in Japan reflects the continued growth of The International Series and the role these events play within the global game,” Singh said. “The Series is designed to provide a clear and competitive pathway, delivered through tournaments that are meaningful to host nations while offering players the opportunity to test themselves against world-class fields.

“International Series Japan sets an important early marker for the season, creating genuine opportunity for players pursuing progression to the highest level of the game, while reinforcing the Series’ focus on world-class venues, strong partnerships and high-quality competition.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, emphasised the tournament’s role in the continued growth of both the Tour and the Series.

“We are very much looking forward to returning to Caledonian Golf Club, which our players rated as one of the best venues across our entire season. The start of The International Series in Japan sets a strong and exciting tone for the Asian Tour’s 2026 schedule,” he said.

“The International Series continues to be an integral platform that gives opportunities for our members to compete against an elevated field. International Series Japan is a perfect start to a pathway that gives Asian players a chance to work their way up to global events such as the Majors and the LIV Golf League.”

The 2026 International Series will feature an exciting schedule across nine countries, identifying new world-class talent for the Asian Tour and the LIV Golf League.

Tickets for the International Series Japan will be on sale from early February on asoview.com