The Asian Tour will return to Chinese-Taipei, one of the region’s golfing strongholds, with even greater anticipation this year as the region welcomes the return of the Taiwan Open – after a break of 20 years – an increase in prizemoney for the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and an important date change to the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open.

The Yeangder Group have confirmed they will revive the Taiwan Open, last played in 2006, and become the historic tournament’s title sponsor.

The event will be played at Linkou International Golf & Country Club [main picture], from 17-20 September, and boast prizemoney of US$1.2million. The move means the event will replace the Yeangder TPC, which enjoyed a 15-year run of its own.

“After a 20-year hiatus, the Taiwan Open is officially making its return!” said Emmet Hsu, Chairman, Yeangder Group.

“The Taiwan Open has long been one of the most iconic events in Chinese-Taipei’s golfing history and was once our most prestigious international professional golf tournament.

Rattanon Wannasrichan dons the green jacket from former champion Jbe Kruger at last year’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

“We sincerely thank the Golf Association of the Republic of China for their support and approval in allowing this legendary tournament to return to the spotlight and shine once again.”

The Golf Association of the Republic of China (GAROC) is the long-time guardian of the event and is delighted at the prospect of its return.

Hsu added that in his efforts to revitalise golf in Chinese-Taipei, he is also hoping to bring back the women’s Taiwan Open, as well as contribute NT$30 million (approx. US$950,000) annually to GAROC to support junior golf development, elevate the standard of youth tournaments, and pave a long-term pathway for young Chinese-Taipei players.

Hsu said he also intends to run for GAROC presidency.

The Yeangder Group’s sponsorship of the Taiwan Open also represents an increase in prize money, as the Yeangder TPC boasted a purse of US$1million.

They will also continue to back the Ambassador ADT Open and HCT Open on the Asian Development Tour.

In another boost for the game on the island nation, organisers of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters confirmed they will increase the total prizemoney to US$1.2 million, up from US$1million.

The event, won last year by Rattanon Wannasrichan from Thailand and played on the Asian Tour since 2000, will be held at Taiwan Golf & Country Club from 24-27 September – the week after the Yeangder Taiwan Open.

In what will be a popular scheduling development, the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open will move from its slot towards the end of the season to the first half of the year. It will be staged from 7-10 May, at Taifong Golf Club, allowing Asian Tour members to enjoy an earlier visit to the well-liked country.

Thailand’s Ekpharit Wu was victorious in the event last November.

The Philippine Golf Championship presented by the Philippine Sports Commission is the new name of the season opening event on the Asian Tour – officials confirmed today.

The inaugural tournament is due to tee-off at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, from 5-8 February, and following elevated support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) it received a new designation.

Boasting prizemoney of US$500,000, organisers have also secured BingoPlus as an Official Sponsor – building on their expanding golf sponsorship portfolio.

“If we can host and organise world-class sports tourism events every month, we will do it—from WTA tennis to the Asian Tour,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“These events make the country proud. They make the city proud. They make Filipino athletes proud, and they inspire our youth to aspire,” added Gregorio, also the Chairman of the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee (NST-IAC).

The tournament, organised under the auspices of the NST-IAC, had originally been named the Philippine President’s Trophy.

Jazz Janewattananond. Picture by Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

“Golf is an integral part of this strategy, and we are happy to collaborate with the National Golf Association of the Philippines,” said Gregorio.

“When international athletes visit the Philippines, they don’t just compete, they experience our culture and embrace our spirit.”

An outstanding line-up of stars have entered – all hoping to make a fast start to the year.

American John Catlin [main picture], the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and two other former number ones, countryman Sihwan Kim and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand have entered along with Hong Kong number one Taichi Kho plus Chinese-Taipei ace Lee Chieh-po.​​

Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai, a four-time winner on the Asian Tour over the past two years, will be joined by five other champions from last year: Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Poosit Supupramai and Ekpharit Wu, as well as Germany’s Dominic Foos.

Last year’s Asian Development Tour Order of Merit champion Tawit Polthai from Thailand and Qualifying School winner Lin Yuxin from China will add even greater depth to the field. Nearly all of the 35 players who graduated from the School have entered.

Qualifying School winner Lin Yuxin. Picture by Jason Butler.

For BingoPlus the tournament represents another exciting opportunity to connect with the game. Last year they were the presenting partner for the hugely successful International Series Philippines.

Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. said: “Through this partnership, BingoPlus, alongside our parent company DigiPlus, shows its strong commitment and reaffirms its support in sports – bridging the gap and making it more reachable and accessible to aspiring local athletes out there.

“As DigiPlus remains the leading digital entertainment platform, it aims to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between public and private sectors. The tournament is expected to have a world-class experience, draw golf fans and media attention as all eyes will be on Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in the first week of February. The inclusion of the Philippines on the Asian Tour calendar opens up new opportunities to enhance local golf athletes and future professionals while also boosting the Philippine sports tourism industry.”

Lucas Herbert will return to Queenstown next month, confirming his place in the field for the 105th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook – set to be played across Millbrook Resort’s Coronet and Remarkables courses.

The Australian, winner of last year’s International Series Japan presented by Moutai, is known for his aggressive style of play and comfort on fast, firm layouts — qualities well suited to Millbrook’s championship courses.

His return to the NZ$2 million tournament signals his continued affinity for the event.

Speaking about his return, the LIV Golf star said he was looking forward to once again experiencing everything the week has to offer.

“I’ve always loved coming back to Queenstown and playing the New Zealand Open,” Herbert said. “The New Zealand Open is always a highlight on the schedule.”

“Queenstown is an incredible place to play golf; the courses are first class, and the support from fans is fantastic. I’m really excited to be coming back.”

Ryan Peake pictured winning last year. Picture by Steve McArthur/Photosport.

Previously ranked as high as 40th in the world, Herbert went close to claiming the New Zealand Open title in 2020, finishing runner-up to fellow Australian Brad Kennedy and is aiming to go one better.

“I was close in 2020 and narrowly missing out, like that sticks with you. I didn’t have my best stuff during that final round and Brad did, so fair play to him,” Herbert added.

“I know what it takes to contend at Millbrook Resort, and I’m coming back with the aim of being the one lifting the trophy at the end of the week and playing myself into the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.”

New Zealand Open Tournament Director, Michael Glading, welcomed Herbert’s confirmation, noting the value his presence brings to the event.

“Lucas is a proven international performer, having won three times on the DP World Tour and once on the PGA Tour and the Asian Tour, and now starring on LIV Golf,” Glading said. “Having him return to Queenstown reinforces the global standing of the New Zealand Open and the quality of field we continue to attract.”

Herbert’s countryman and defending champion Ryan Peake has also confirmed his participation.

The New Zealand Open returns to Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from 26 February to 1 March 2026, and is once again part of the Open Qualifying Series.

Kazuki Higa [main picture] has been bestowed with one of the highest honours after winning The Kyi Hla Han Award for the Player of the Year on the Asian Tour.

The Japanese star won two tournaments on his way to claiming the Asian Tour Order of Merit title last year, and his achievements have been recognised by his peers as the Award is voted for by the Asian Tour membership.

It is a ceremonial nod to an outstanding season, when he became the first player from his country to win the Merit list.

Voting was concluded this week with the other winners being, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, which was recognised as the Tournament of the Year, and the Link Hong Kong Open – which earned The International Series Tournament of the Year..

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (Red Course), venue for the International Series Morocco, was picked as the Players’ Choice Course of the Year – something that Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent would agree with as he won the event.

Josele Ballester after winning the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers last year. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “The 2025 season was another year of growth and development and with it came some exceptional performances by our players – helped in such a big way by world class tournaments and venues.

“We congratulate Kazuki Higa on his success. Kyi Hla Han, our former Executive Chairman and Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, would have been delighted to see a Japanese player finish the year ranked number one – it is such a significant achievement for the region.

“And we applaud the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, the Link Hong Kong Open and Royal Golf Dar Es Salam for their important contributions and worthy acknowledgment by our players.”

Last year Higa became the first player to win both the Asian Tour’s Merit list and the Japan Tour Money List, which he claimed in 2022.

He recorded back-to-back wins in September at the Shinhan Donghae Open, in Korea, and the Yeangder TPC, in Chinese-Taipei, before adding a joint second place at the International Series Philippines in late October. That result in the Philippines saw him regain top spot on the Merit list from Vincent, and from there on in he could not be caught.

For the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers it marks the third time in four years it has been named Tournament of the Year, following success in 2022 and 2023.

Tom McKibbin pictured with the Link Hong Kong Open trophy last season. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Rising Spanish star Josele Ballester was victorious at the event last year, when it was played at Riyadh Golf Club for the second successive year.  The two preceding years before that it was staged at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, in Jeddah.

This year’s voting also means more accolades for the Link Hong Kong Open and its venerable venue the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC).

In 2023 it was named The International Series Tournament of the Year, while HKGC was the Players’ Choice Course of the Year, along with Al Mouj Golf. The following season the event was again hailed as The International Series Tournament of the Year.

Andy Kwok, Captain, HKGC, said: “For the Link Hong Kong Open to be voted The International Series Tournament of the Year for the third successive time is an incredibly special honour and something everyone at the Club is very proud of. Our tremendous thanks to the players of the Asian Tour for this wonderful recognition and to all tournament officials and sponsors for making this historic event what it has become today.”

The Asian Tour’s 2026 season will commence in just over two weeks at the Philippine President’s Trophy – being played at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club.

Scott Vincent won the International Series Morocco at Golf Course of the Year Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (Red Course). Picture by Steve Bardens/Asian Tour.

The Asian Development Tour (ADT) season will start strongly, and in familiar surrounds, in 2026 at the PKNS Selangor Masters next month.

The distinguished event, which also ushered in the new year on the Asian Tour’s feeder circuit 12 months ago, will be played at Seri Selangor Golf Club, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, from 11-14 February.

It will also once again be one of the most lucrative on the ADT offering overall prizemoney of US$175,000 – while it will mark the fifth successive season the tournament has been part of the Tour.

Today’s important news means the ADT membership will be able to enjoy a bright and early start to 2026, with an announcement regarding the full ADT schedule to be made soon.

Said Ken Kudo, General Manager, Asian Development Tour: “While the Asian Development Tour often introduces new tournaments in new destinations, we are fortunate to be ably supported by long standing and highly respected events like the PKNS Selangor Masters.

“In so many respects the event is the ideal event to start the season. Our members, many of whom aspire to graduate to the Asian Tour, are able to enjoy competing in an established tournament that offers both stature and significance.”

India’s Rahil Gangjee won the tournament in 2024.

“Once again we thank the Selangor State Government, PKNS and Seri Selangor Golf Club for allowing us to join all the dots and be in position to stage another great tournament.”

Eighty ADT members will be eligible for the tournament, which will feature a maximum field of 144. There will also be 40 places for the Professional Golf Tour of Malaysia, 14 invites from the promoter and 10 ADT invites.

“The PKNS Selangor Masters enjoyed the perfect start last year by commencing the season on the ADT and we are looking forward to a repeat return next month, for one of Malaysia’s premier golf tournaments,” said YB Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Fadzli bin Ahmad Tajuddin, Chairman of the organising committee.

“The tournament plays such an important part in our domestic game and by being sanctioned with the ADT it offers real regional appeal. We have enjoyed five outstanding events since returning from the global pandemic and are excited about this year’s event and what is to follow.”

“Beyond the economic development factors such as sports tourism, this championship also serves as a special platform provided by the Selangor State Government for local professional golfers, where they can compete in an elite professional-level tournament on home soil.”

Thailand’s Tawit Polthai [main picture] triumphed last year, winning by three strokes from veteran Filipino Juvic Pagunsan. Tawit went on to claim the ADT Order of Merit – which sees the top-10 earn Asian Tour cards for the ensuing season.

The Selangor Masters was first staged in 2007 on the local circuit, before being elevated onto the Asian Tour the following year – when Malaysia’s Ben Leong claimed the title.  It was played on the Asian Tour until 2014 before joining the ADT post pandemic.

India’s Rahil Gangjee won the tournament in 2024, following on from Chinese-Taipei’s Ho Yu-cheng and Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin.

Other winners are Australian Rick Kulacz (2009), Angelo Que (2010) of the Philippines and Joonas Granberg (2011) of Finland.

They were followed by the Thai trio of Thaworn Wiratchant (2012), Pariya Junhasavasdikul (2013) and Chapchai Nirat (2014).

A dominant performance for Canada’s Richard T. Lee. A clutch low round for Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren. And an inspirational return for American Anthony Kim. Story by LIV Golf staff.

All three players had reason to celebrate Sunday afternoon at Black Diamond Ranch after earning the three wild card spots available through this week’s LIV Golf Promotions. They now join International Series qualifiers Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji as the five wild card players who will compete in the 13 regular season tournaments during the 2026 LIV Golf League season.

Their next starts on LIV Golf will be in the 2026 season opener in Riyadh on 4-7 February.

While Lee and Hellgren will be making their LIV Golf debuts in Saudi Arabia, Kim will be back for his third season as a wild card player. He returned from a 12-year retirement from professional golf to join LIV Golf in 2024 but was relegated after last season as he continued to shake off the rust and rebuild his game.

Earning a spot for the 2026 season is a reflection of the significant progress he’s made in recent months.

Bjorn Hellgren.

“There were definitely low moments throughout those two years,” Kim said. “But I believe in myself more than anybody else believes in me, and I think that’s all that matters. I felt like I would earn my spot back if I did get relegated, which I did. I felt like if I just kept my foot on the gas and just kept grinding that great things were going to happen.”

Lee, meanwhile, completed an impressive weeklong effort with a final-round five-under 65, leaving him at 11 under for the 36-hole weekend shootout for a five-shot victory over Hellgren, his nearest competitor.

The 35-year-old becomes the first Canadian to earn a spot on LIV Golf, and he did it in style, shooting rounds of 64, 66, 64 and 65 over the four days, including the first two 18-hole knockout rounds that whittled the initial field of 78 players down to the 22 competing this weekend.

“It’s not sunk in yet, to be honest,” said Lee, who suffered just two bogeys all week, one of those coming late on Sunday when he already had a spot wrapped up. “21 under on this course is absolutely amazing. I’m very pleased with my game right now.”

Hellgren shot a 70 on Saturday, leaving him outside the top 10 starting Sunday. The 35-year-old, who won the Saudi Open presented by PIF last month, had to play aggressive to make up strokes.

He opened with consecutive birdies and overcame a couple of bogeys midway through his round, finishing it off with four birdies in his final six holes to shoot a 64, matching the course record set by Lee earlier in the week.

Anthony Kim.

“Starting the day, we knew what we had to do,” Hellgren said. “We had to shoot a low one today. We had to basically go all in.”

Kim was in better shape to start the day, in the primary chase pack after shooting a 66 on Saturday. Through 10 holes Sunday, he was even par for the day and in a three-way tie for the third and final spot with two Thailand golfers, Jazz Janewattananond and Sarit Suwannarut.

Kim then birdied the par-4 11th with a 20-foot putt to create separation, then battled hard to maintain it. The par-4 14th was a key moment, as he twice overcame tricky lies near bunkers that left him with awkward stances, eventually saving par with a 15-foot putt. By the time he reached the 18th hole, he was three shots clear of fourth place and could afford a final bogey.

“Felt like if I made that putt, it could really swing the momentum,” Kim said of the 14th. “I beared down and holed it.”

Lee and Hellgren are both looking forward to the step up in competition that LIV Golf offers with a field that includes major champions such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and others.

“Definitely have to hit it longer to keep up with those guys and maybe get my short game a little bit sharper,” Lee said.

“Obviously this is going to change our life, for my family,” Hellgren added. “But it’s still just a tournament, and I’m sure I’ll be going to Riyadh to try to win because I like the feeling of winning.”

Kim, meanwhile, is glad just to have another season on LIV Golf. Sunday’s outcome was arguably the biggest moment in his two years since his return to the sport.

“There’s a ton of satisfaction,” Kim said at the end of his press conference. “I’m sure I’ll understand that all that work has really shown this week, maybe later tonight when I’m drinking an iced tea. It means a lot to me because three years ago, doctors told me that I potentially had two weeks to live. So just to be here standing in front of you guys is a blessing.”

Richard T. Lee continued his commanding performance at LIV Golf Promotions after Round 3, firing a flawless six-under-par 64 to surge two shots clear at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round at Black Diamond Ranch.

Lee’s third straight strong performance, following opening rounds of 64 and 66, marked the lowest score of the day and further underlined his red-hot form. The Canadian now sits firmly in pole position to secure one of the coveted LIV Golf cards, as International Series and Asian Tour players dominated the upper reaches of the leaderboard.

“Definitely the key is to not make mistakes out there and try to make as many birdies as you can,” Lee said. “I didn’t have any eagles like yesterday, but I’ll take six birdies and no bogeys.”

Despite holding a two-shot advantage entering the final 18 holes, Lee said his mindset would remain unchanged.

“I’m just going to have the same mentality as the last few days and just play the best I can,” he said. “Not really think about being in the lead or who’s behind me, just play well.”

Jazz Janewattananond.

Asked about the consistency that has defined his week so far, Lee credited discipline and smart course management.

“I’ve been taking advantage of the holes that I can, and on the hard holes just trying to make pars and not make bogeys,” he said. “That’s really how I’ve been playing the last three days.”

Behind Lee, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is tied for second with American Anthony Kim and South Africa’s Oliver Bekker, all in contention for one of the three promotion spots on offer.

Jazz said his approach remains steady as he eyes a breakthrough opportunity.

“Mindset every day is the same,” he said. “Just play good golf, hit fairways, hit greens and be smart about it. Don’t get too greedy. I think I did a pretty good job today, so I’ll try to do the same thing again tomorrow.”

With Lee setting the pace, Jazz said his focus would remain inward rather than on the leaderboard.

“We’re not playing for one spot,” he said. “So, I don’t have to worry about him. I just have to worry about myself, ball placement and being smart.”

The Thai star also credited his strong form to a consistent run on The International Series.

“I’ve been playing a lot of The International Series events on the Asian Tour, so my game has been trending and progressing,” he said. “I’m just trying to add on every day and be a bit better.”

Anthony Kim.

Echoing Jazz, Lee, who won the BNI Indonesian Masters on the 2024 International Series schedule, views the Series as one of professional golf’s most compelling pathways, particularly with Major championship qualifications now available.

“I think everyone wants to play on the Asian Tour right now,” Lee said. “There are a lot of benefits for players, bigger purses and a lot of good competition. Everyone wants to play on The International Series.”

Asked if he plans to return, Lee was unequivocal.

“Oh, definitely,” he said. “I’m going to plan my schedule to play most of The International Series events.”

Further down the leaderboard, two-time International Series champions Sarit Suwannarut (Thailand) and Jeunghun Wang (Korea) are tied for sixth, while Rattanon Wannasrichan (Thailand) and Kieran Vincent (Zimbabwe) remain inside the top 10 heading into the final round.

Travis Smyth (Australia) sits tied for 11th, Miguel Tabuena (Philippines) is in a tie for 19th, while fellow Thais Sadom Kaewkanjana and Danthai Boonma are placed 21st and 22nd respectively heading into the final day.

Unlike the first three days when scores were reset at the start of each round, scores will carry over from Round 3 into Round 4. As an outright winner, runner-up and third place finisher is required, play-offs will be played.

Please find the leaderboard here.

Jeunghun Wang fired a five-under-par 65 to top the Round 2 leaderboard at LIV Golf Promotions in Florida, edging Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Sadom Kaewkanjana by a single shot. The four players will lead a strong contingent of Asian Tour and International Series stars into the weekend, with scores reset to level par for the start of Round 3 as the high-stakes race for the three coveted LIV Golf League cards ramps up.

The Korean’s momentum has been building steadily in recent months. Prior to arriving in Florida, Wang impressed with a runner-up finish at the Moutai Singapore Open, where he narrowly missed out in a playoff to Yosuke Asaji, now a LIV Golf player himself.

“I’m just really happy to be playing the next two days,” Wang said. “I’m excited and will just give it my best.”

Confidence, Wang notes, has been a key takeaway from competing on The International Series, particularly at the Singapore event this year.

“I wasn’t playing that well before Singapore, but that week gave me a lot of confidence,” Wang said. “Performing in front of such a strong field, including LIV players, made me feel far more prepared, and that confidence has stayed with me. Seeing Asaji get into LIV Golf definitely inspires me, it makes me feel like I can do it too.”

Just one shot behind, Richard T. Lee continued his steady charge with a four-under round today, highlighted by a dramatic pair of eagles that underlined his comfort on the demanding layout.

Miguel Tabuena reads his putt on the ninth green during the second round of the LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond Ranch on Friday, January 09, 2026 in Lecanto, Florida. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)

“I got off to a good start with a birdie on two, then made an eagle on nine after sticking a five-wood to about five feet,” Lee said. “I made another eagle on 16 from the waste bunker, that pretty much made my round.”

Lee, who opened with a six-under 64, believes his measured approach has been key on a course that punishes even small mistakes.

“This course is tough,” he said. “If you leave it on the false front, you really have no chance to save par. I think six-under yesterday and four-under today is plenty good. The mindset stays the same, play smart and take the birdies when they’re there.”

The Canadian also reflected on the broader presence of Asian Tour and International Series players crowding the leaderboard.

“They’re all really good players,” Lee said. “You see it every week on the Asian Tour, guys performing, earning spots in Majors, and making their way onto LIV. The level is very high. If they play well and leave a spot open for me, I’ll be pretty happy.”

Travis Smyth hits his shot on the sixth hole during the first round of LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond Ranch on Thursday, January 08, 2026 in Lecanto, Floridia. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)

Joining Lee just one shot off the Round 2 lead were Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana.

Other strong Asian Tour and International Series contenders who made the cut after Round 2 include Australia’s Travis Smyth, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, Sarit Suwannarut, Danthai Boonma, Rattanon Wannasrichan, America’s Anthony Kim, the Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, and Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent. All will start the weekend rounds on level par as the battle for the three LIV Golf cards intensifies.

Richard T. Lee surged to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of LIV Golf Promotions, leading a strong Asian Tour contingent into Round 2 as the high-stakes battle for LIV Golf cards intensified at Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club in Florida.

The 2024 BNI Indonesian Masters champion carded a flawless, bogey-free six-under-par 64 to take the outright lead – comfortably leading the top 20 and ties in to Round 2 of the elimination-format event.

Lee’s sharp start continues a run of consistency across The International Series in 2025, where he posted a fifth-place finish at International Series Macau presented by Wynn, a top-10 result at International Series India presented by DLF, and top-20 finishes at both the Jakarta International Championships and the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

On a demanding course that placed a premium on precision, Lee leaned on strong ball-striking and timely putting to separate himself from the field.

“It’s a tough course,” said the Canadian. “You really have to drive it well, and the greens are very undulated. I found a lot of fairways, placed my ball in good positions on the greens, and managed to hole a few putts.”

Sadom Kaewkanjana.

Four of Lee’s birdies came over his closing six holes, a stretch he credited to a confident putter heating up at the right time.

“My putting definitely came together late,” he explained. “I wasn’t hitting it super close all day, but I made some key putts — 10- to 15-footers, and one around 30 feet. Those putts were right in the middle, which felt great.”

While a first-round lead provides momentum, Lee remains mindful of the unique elimination format, with scores resetting ahead of Round 2.

“It’s only the first round,” he said. “Finishing first always feels good, but everything resets tomorrow. The focus is the same, hit fairways, place the ball on the right side of the greens, and let good golf take care of itself.”

Just two shots back, Sadom Kaewkanjana and Suteepat Prateeptienchai from Thailand led the chasing pack, finishing tied second after 66s to underline the depth of talent progressing from the Asian Tour.

Sadom, a former LIV Golf League player, credited a disciplined approach and familiarity with the conditions for his fast start. “I played very solid today,” said Sadom. “I hit 16 greens in regulation and everything felt good overall. The game plan worked well, so I’m just looking to keep that going tomorrow.”

Suteepat Prateeptienchai.

Competing in the United States remains a rare but motivating experience for Sadom, who has spent the majority of his career in Asia. “I’m really excited to be playing in the U.S. because most of my golf has been in Asia,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me, so I tried to bring good energy out there today.”

Having featured during LIV Golf’s inaugural season in 2022, Sadom is determined to earn his way back onto the League. “LIV Golf is the biggest golf league in the world and has so many great players,” he said. “Playing in 2022 gave me amazing experience competing alongside the best, and that really motivates me to try and get back again.”

Thai players featured prominently on the leaderboard, something Sadom attributed to familiar playing conditions. “The grass and the weather are very similar to Thailand — it’s hot and humid, so we don’t need much adjustment,” he explained.

Looking ahead to Round 2, the focus will be on precision rather than aggression. “I want to hit more fairways,” Sadom added. “Tomorrow the course will be tougher, so that will be very important.”

A host of Asian Tour and International Series players joined Lee, Sadom and Suteepat in advancing to Round 2, reinforcing the Tours’ growing influence on the global stage. Those progressing included Hongtaek Kim (66), Austen Truslow (67), Dominic Foos (67), Sarit Suwannarut (67), Travis Smyth (68), Poom Saksansin (68), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (69) and Tomoyo Ikemura (69).

Filipino golf hero Miguel Tabuena will take his campaign for a place on the LIV Golf League to its final battleground this week, after narrowly missing out on The International Series Rankings race last year.

By finishing third on the Rankings – only the top two made it through – he earned direct exemption into Round 2 of LIV Golf Promotions. The high-pressure event tees off tomorrow at Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club in Florida – where two more LIV Golf League places are on the line.

It is Tabuena’s final route into golf’s elite stage, and one he is approaching with purpose.

“I’m coming into Promotions with a really strong mindset,” Tabuena said. “Missing out in the Rankings race hurt, but it also motivated me. I know what’s at stake, and I know I can compete with anyone in that field. It’s about staying patient, staying focused, and trusting the game that got me here.”

That motivation comes directly from the intensity of the series finale at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, where the 31-year-old came agonisingly close to breaking into the top two. If he had finished two shots better he would have dislodged Japan’s Yosuke Asaji from second place.

Miguel Tabuena with his family after winning the International Series Philippines last year. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Reflecting on the final round, Tabuena admitted he felt on the brink of a breakthrough. A hot start had him firmly in contention, but costly mistakes on the demanding back nine saw him just fall short.

“It stings,” Tabuena admitted. “You work all year for these moments, and I felt like I was right there. I fought until the last hole, and I’m proud of that. That’s golf.”

Despite the disappointment, Tabuena left Saudi Arabia with immense pride. His historic wire-to-wire victory at International Series Philippines in October, in front of home fans, stands as one of the breakthrough moments of the season. Consistent, composed, and fearless, he ultimately closed the year with a career-best finish on the Rankings.

“The season was a highlight of my career,” he said. “Winning in the Philippines… that meant everything. To be in the mix all year for the LIV spots shows how far my game has come.”

He added that the season’s pressure-filled moments have sharpened him for exactly this challenge.

“This year taught me how to handle pressure at the highest level. Promotions will be no different. I’m ready to give everything I have.”

The International Series are 10 upper-tier events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway on to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings. Zimbabwean Scott Vincent finished first last year for the second time in his career. He also topped the Rankings in 2022 – the inaugural year of LIV Golf.