Burmester and Leishman set for International Series Philippines
In-form 2025 tournament winners Dean Burmester [main picture] and Marc Leishman headline the latest wave of LIV Golf stars confirmed for the International Series Philippines – one of the region’s most anticipated events.
South African Burmester brings the momentum of a breakthrough victory at LIV Golf Miami, where he defeated heavyweights Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann in a dramatic play-off. His stellar 2025 season also included a runner-up finish at LIV Golf Hong Kong and two additional top three results, helping him secure fifth place in the season standings and lift Stinger GC to third overall.
Leishman, a member of the all-Australian Ripper GC, arrives in the Philippines on the back of a superb season that included both an individual and team win in Miami, plus five further top-15 finishes.
Adding further star power to the line-up is veteran Richard Bland of Cleeks GC. The two-time Senior Major champion and top 10 finisher at International Series England last year recorded six top 15 finishes this season on LIV Golf League, including an impressive fifth place in Adelaide.
Iron Heads GC standout Jinichiro Kozuma is also in the field. The Japanese player, who originally earned his spot through the LIV Golf Promotions event in 2023, has shown real promise this season with three top 10 finishes, including a runner-up result in Dallas.
Marc Leishman. Picture by Christian Petersen/Getty Images.
Kozuma’s former teammate, Scott Vincent, will also join the line-up in the Philippines, arriving in excellent form following a commanding victory at the International Series Morocco. On top of that, the Zimbabwean also secured three additional top 10 finishes on the Asian Tour this season, putting him in strong contention and marking him as one of the players to watch.
Asian Tour rising star Danthai Boonma will also be in action at Sta. Elena Golf Club this October. The Thai talent has enjoyed a standout season, currently ranked fifth on The International Series Rankings and eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, bolstered by a runner-up finish at International Series Morocco.
Last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit champion John Catlin will also be in the mix for what promises to be a thrilling week in the Philippines. The American enjoyed a standout season in 2024 with back-to-back wins at International Series Macau presented by Wynn and Saudi Open presented by PIF, as well as two narrow play-off losses. The trio will be chasing vital rankings points available to all in the field that could ultimately earn them a place on the LIV Golf League next season.
Four major champions playing on LIV Golf League have already been confirmed: Range Goats GC captain Bubba Watson, 4Aces GC’s Patrick Reed, and the Stinger GC duo of Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, along with home hero Miguel Tabuena.
The International Series Philippines is the seventh of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour schedule that form a pathway onto LIV Golf for players from around the world via the season-long Rankings race.
The tournament will take place at Sta. Elena Golf Club from 23–26 October, bringing a dynamic entertainment experience with headline concerts, exclusive hospitality, live music, gourmet dining, and immersive fan activities throughout tournament week.
The Asian Tour is delighted to announce it will return to India later this year for the inaugural IGPL Classic – an exciting new event on the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) Tour, which was launched recently.
The tournament will be held at Kensville Golf Resort, Ahmedabad, 27-30 November, paving the way for a popular return to a country that has a strong affinity with the Asian Tour.
Boasting prizemoney of US$500,000, it will be jointly-sanctioned with the IGPL Tour – a new and innovative circuit boasting 11 events that will act as forerunner for next year’s Indian Golf Premier League, the country’s first-ever franchise-based golf league.
“The introduction of a brand-new event in a country that has been so important to us is a welcome addition,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.
“India has always been a big part of the Asian Tour, not only as a destination but also in terms of producing incredible talent. Over the years, marquee Asian Tour players such as Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Shiv Kapur, SSP Chawrasia, Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar have been integral to the success and appeal of the Asian Tour.
“We applaud the Indian Golf Premier League for its forward thinking and innovation in bringing a new dimension to professional golf in India and we look forward to seeing new talent from India progress to the Asian Tour in the future. We are also looking forward to visiting a new destination in India which we have never before visited.”
The IGPL Classic will be the only traditional four-round event on the IGPL Tour, which will be played from September to December. The other 10 events will be played over three rounds with no cut made.
Later in the year IGPL franchise announcements will be made and a player auction held, ahead of the League’s launch in January. It will feature six teams, with 60 golfers competing in a home-and-away format with the ultimate aim of helping to grow the game in the world’s most populous country.
“We are thrilled to announce IGPL’s partnership with the Asian Tour as we aim to create more opportunities for Indian players to compete alongside international stars. The partnership promises to elevate the game and bring world-class golfing experiences to players and fans alike. It is great to have partners who are aligned with our vision and our mindset, and we are confident this partnership will flourish for a long time,” says IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundy.
The addition of the IGPL Classic brings the total number of events this year on the Asian Tour to 22. Thirteen events will be played between now and December offering over US$20 million in prizemoney.
The Asian Tour visited India at the start of the year for the International Series India presented by DLF.
Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai [main picture] stressed in an interview after his second round at the Mandiri Indonesia Open last week that hitting fairways is the key to scoring well at Pondok Indah Golf Course.
Sure enough, that’s exactly what he proceeded to do for all four days. The result was he impressively topped the Fairways Hit statistics category, together with American Micah Shin on 78.57%.
It was also one of the keys to winning the country’s National Open – for his fourth title on the Asian Tour.
He crushed his closest competitors by firing a final round 64, eight-under-par, to win by seven shots on Sunday.
His 64, which included two eagles, was the lowest of the week – matched only by Malaysian Shahriffuddin Ariffin, the third-round leader, on day two.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai. Picture by Graham Uden, Asian Tour.
He also had a superb week in the Greens in Regulation (GIR) department, finishing the week with 88.89%, second only to Australian Kevin Yuan who led the field with 90.28%.
Suteepat’s GIR percentage was an impressive improvement from his season average of 66.67% before the tournament, and he credited this to putting a new set of irons in the bag for the week in Jakarta.
With his tee to green game in such good form it was no surprise to also see him on top of the list of Fewest Bogies or Worse, leading the field with only two dropped shots for the week. On both those occasions he birdied the following hole, so he also topped the Bounce Back category with a perfect 100%.
And thanks to that final round he led Most Eagles made with three – meaning he finished top of four categories.
Suteepat’s other stats for the week were: Putts per GIR 1.656 (9th), Putts per Round 29 (T33),Driving Distance 297.8 yards (37th).
Runner up Taichi Kho from Hong Kong also had a great week tee to green, finishing T3 in GIR and T5 in Fairways Hit, with 86.11% and 75% respectively. His other major stats were: Putts per GIR 1.677 (17th), Putts per Round 29.25 (T38), Driving Distance 301.3 yards (26th).
Kevin Yuan. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
Joint third place finishers Kevin Yuan and fellow Australian Travis Smyth produced their high finishes of the year quite differently: Yuan topped the GIR stats and placed T11 in the Fairways Hit category with 71.43%, while Smyth, who led the field with in Most Birdies with 25, excelled on the greens needing only 27.25 Putts per Round (T4) and 1.582 Putts per GIR (2nd).
Statistics category leaders at the Mandiri Indonesia Open (of players making the cut):
- Putts per Round – Wocheng Ye (CHN): 25.25
- Putts per GIR – Wocheng Ye (CHN): 1.556
- GIR – Kevin Yuan (AUS): 90.28%
- Fairways Hit – Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA), Micah Shin (USA): 78.57%
- Driving Distance – Roberto Lebrija (MEX): 328.5 yards
- Most Eagles – Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA): 3
- Most Birdies – Travis Smyth (AUS): 25
- Fewest Bogies or Worse – Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA): 2
- Scrambling – Wei-lun Chang (TPE): 95.45%
- Bounce back – Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA): 100%
Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson and hometown hero Taichi Kho will headline the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club later this year – with the tournament set to take place from October 30th to November 2nd.
LIV Golf star Reed will defend the title he won in spectacular fashion in 2024, when he shot a third-round 11-under-par 59 on his way to a three-shot victory.
Two-time Masters champion and fellow LIV Golf star Watson will be competing in the tournament for the first time, although he is familiar with the venue having competed in two LIV Golf Hong Kong events.
In a hugely significant development, the winner of this year’s event will earn invites into next year’s Masters Tournament and The Open – following an announcement by August National Golf Club and The R&A.
Kho, a Hong Kong Golf Club ambassador, reigning Asian Games gold medalist and the first Hongkonger to win on the Asian Tour, is thrilled to return to his home Open.
Patrick Reed pictured winning last year. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “It is always a special occasion to play at Hong Kong Golf Club in front of family, friends and golf fans.
“This is a historic tournament I grew up watching as a youngster and now to compete in it as a professional, on my home course against some of the biggest names in world golf, is a real privilege.”
First played in 1959, the tournament is the longest-running international sporting event in Hong Kong and one of Asia’s most prestigious golf championships. It is also the only event in the world outside the Masters Tournament that has always been played at the same venue.
Hong Kong Golf Club captain Andy Kwok said: “We are all set for four magnificent days of action, as the historic Link Hong Kong Open continues to grow in prestige on the international stage. To be selected as one of only a handful of pathway events to the Majors reflects the rich heritage of our Club and the 65-year-old championship, but also Fanling’s global reputation as one of golf’s foremost tournament venues. We very much look forward to seeing the fans come out in force to support our Hong Kong players and watch some of the most exciting players in the game.”
Starting in 2024, Link Asset Management Limited (Link) became title sponsor of the Hong Kong Open golf championship for three years. Through this iconic partnership, the Hong Kong Golf Club and Link aim to promote the game of golf within the wider local community across the city and make it more accessible to the public.
Link Group CEO George Hongchoy said: “As Link celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, we are proud to mark our second year of partnership with the prestigious Link Hong Kong Open. This collaboration exemplifies our role as a Hong Kong-headquartered real estate investment manager embracing international opportunity, while reflecting our belief in sport’s power to inspire communities and bring people together. With Hong Kong also hosting the golf competition of the 15th National Games this November, we are excited to celebrate the vibrancy and shared joy of golf across the city.”
Bubba Watson. Picture by Justin Casterline/Getty Images.
It is not just the Link Hong Kong Open title at stake – important Rankings points are also up for grabs.
The tournament is the eighth stop on The International Series, the set of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar that provides a pathway onto the LIV Golf League for the end-of-season Rankings champion.
“The International Series is all about providing players with opportunity, and a pathway to elite-level golf.” Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series said, “This year’s edition of the Link Hong Kong Open is the perfect example of our ethos. With the promise of vital rankings points in the race for a LIV Golf spot as well as a pathway to two majors for the champion, we look forward to another thrilling edition.”
“The Asian Tour is braced for a thrilling second half of the season, with the Link Hong Kong Open once again set to play a pivotal role. This year’s event will reach a new level of recognition as the winner will receive an invite to the Masters Tournament and The Open – an incredible endorsement for one of Asia’s most illustrious national opens.” said by David Rollo, Chief Operating Officer, Asian Tour.
In keeping with the event theme of the Link Hong Kong Open – Open For All — admission is free for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday. Season passes, including the final two days on Saturday and Sunday, cost HK$300 for a weekend pass or HK$200 per day. Fans 18 and under will enjoy free entry across all four days when accompanied by a ticketed adult or with a photo ID containing date of birth.
With off-course entertainment to complement the world-class action, the Link Hong Kong Open 2025 is a great day out for the entire family, featuring an array of activities in the tournament fan village.
Taichi Cho. Picture by Steve Bardens/Asian Tour.
More big names will be announced soon, so mark your diaries this October and come join fans from near and far to watch some of the world’s best golfers compete for this year’s title. For more information about the Link Hong Kong Open, please visit www.thehongkongopen.com.
Purchase tickets from https://www.ticketflap.com/.
The inaugural Jakarta International Championship has been confirmed by the Asian Tour today – adding an exciting new event to its schedule that will contribute further to a gripping end to the season.
The tournament will boast prize money of US$2million, making it Indonesia’s most lucrative golf tournament and enhancing the nation’s reputation for being a strong supporter of professional golf in the region.
The Jakarta International Championship will be played at one of the country’s most-renowned venues, Damai Indah Golf – PIK course [pictured], from 2-5 October, and will be the 13th event of the season on the Asian Tour. In addition, it will be part of The International Series – 10 upper-tier events on the Asian Tour that offer a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League. It’s the fifth stop of the year on the Series.
Importantly, the Government of Jakarta, has lent its support to the tournament, which will mark the Asian Tour’s second visit of the season to Indonesia. The government is confident the collaboration will help promote Jakarta as a global city while providing an incredible opportunity for local players to compete at the highest level.
Lucas Herbert currently leads The International Series Rankings. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “Jakarta has been a popular and regular destination for the Asian Tour for decades, so staging the Jakarta International Championship has great meaning to us.
“It is going to be an incredible addition to our schedule, not only bringing something new to our line-up but also adding importance in terms of a lucrative purse, outstanding golf course and place on The International Series.”
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Jakarta is the perfect launch pad as we prepare for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
“This tournament, which kickstarts the second half of the campaign, will go a long way to deciding who wins The International Series Rankings race and earns a spot on the LIV Golf League next season.
“The Jakarta International Championship is another milestone moment in a successful season which is taking us to new markets and established destinations, once more showcasing the strength of The International Series brand.”
The Asian Tour now has 13 events remaining this season – with over US$20million in prize money to play for. Action resumes next week at the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea.
Two-time Asian Tour winner Steve Lewton is in need of some inspiration to help claim his third title and should get a big dose of that at this week’s Mandiri Indonesia Open.
That’s because he is the defending champion – having recorded an emotional victory in the event 12 months ago.
It’s a different venue this time round, as the event is being played at Pondok Indah Golf Course, but that is a plus as he was runner-up in Indonesia’s national open in 2022 and 2023 when it was played at the famous Jakarta venue.
“Oh, it was massive to win last year,” said Lewton.
“I felt the previous two years I had played really solid most of the year but just could not quite got over the line. So to finish off an event and win was nice.
“A lot of hard work went into that win and even before that obviously. It was nice to see it come to fruition. People don’t see the work you put in behind closed doors.”
Steve Lewton pictured at Wednesday’s press conference. Picture by Graham Uden, Asian Tour.
Last year, at Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course, it looked like he would just miss out on victory for the third year in-a-row when he finished with a double bogey on the 72nd hole in regulation play to fall back into a tie with China’s Sampson Zheng and Australian Aaron Wilkin. However, a birdie on the second play-off hole ensured him a second Asian Tour title – one that came after an anxious 10-year wait from his maiden win at the 2014 Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
It was just reward for a player who finished two behind Gaganjeet Bhullar from India in 2022, and two back of Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong the following year.
Surprisingly, Lewton has not pushed on as expected since last year’s victory.
He explains: “My form was a bit indifferent after I won. I had some good results but not as consistent as I wanted, so maybe I just need to try and get more consistency into the game.”
He finished 2024 ranked 16th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit while at the moment he is in 83rd place. His best performance this year came at the season-opening Smart Infinity Philippine Open, where he tied for 24th.
He has work to do to get back to his best but that began last week when he tied for fifth at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament – an Asian Development Tour event, also played in Jakarta. An opening 61 was particularly encouraging.
Steve Lewton has finished second at this week’s venue on two occasions at the Mandiri Indonesia Open. Picture by Graham Uden, Asian Tour.
“Really happy with my game after a long break,” he said.
“It was good to get some competition reps under my belt as I have not played much over the past couple of months. Playing at home is different to playing in a competition. So, it was good to see the work I have done is working.
“My game is decent but you never know. You try and get a game plan, stick with it and play well.”
He had a sniff of a 59 at the Ciputra event. He needed an eagle on the 18th for that but having already made two eagles and seven birdies he could only manage a par to take the first-round lead.
Similar scoring will be needed if he is to contend this week at Pondok Indah Golf Course. Bhullar was 20-under when he won and Nitithorn 18 under.
Lewton said: “There are a lot of birdie opportunities but the key is not to get frustrated. So, stay patient all week and try and hit as many greens as possible.”
The Link Hong Kong Open, one of the Asian Tour’s signature tournaments, is no stranger to receiving awards.
However, it has now received one of its ultimate accolades following a joint announcement by Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A yesterday.
As a result of ‘plans to align aspects of the qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open’, the winner of the Link Hong Kong Open will receive an invitation to play in both Majors.
This begins immediately and also applies to the National Opens of Australia, Japan, Scotland, Spain and South Africa.
Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “This is a phenomenal announcement which is tremendously important to our members and the Asian region.
“The Link Hong Kong Open has been one of the pillars of the Asian Tour over many decades. The recognition from Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A naming them as a gateway event to their illustrious Major Championships acknowledges the heritage and stature of the tournament in Asia.
Rory McIlroy celebrates winning this year’s Masters to complete the career Grand Slam. Picture by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.
“We are extremely thankful the two bodies recognise the rising level of talent of professional golf in Asia by providing this incredibly important pathway.”
The news is also a tremendous development for The International Series as the Link Hong Kong Open, won last year by American Patrick Reed, is part of the Series.
The development adds to The R&A’s enormously successful Open Qualifying Series, which began in 2013, and ensures strong international pathways into both Majors from several professional tours, recognising the global strength of elite professional golf.
“The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together. Today’s announcement strengthens our organisations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships. We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.”
The qualification criteria for the 2026 Masters Tournament can be found here. The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and the list of exemptions for The 154th Open will be announced in September. Qualifying starts later this year through 15 events in 13 countries.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A said, “We take great pride in the range of qualification routes we offer to players around the world through The Open Qualifying Series. We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions. This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both major championships.”
Next year’s Masters will be played from 9-12 April, while The 154th Open will be held from 16-19 July at Royal Birkdale.
The Mandiri Indonesia Open commences on Thursday at Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta – providing the perfect event to start what will be a thrilling second half to the season on the Asian Tour.
England’s Steve Lewton starts as the defending champion in an event packed with talent. Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, Australian Ryan Peake, and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho are all competing.
The tournament, always a popular event, is the ninth leg of the season on the Asian Tour. It will be followed by 13 more tournaments, from September to December, offering over US$20million in prizemoney.
Tournament Information
- Tournament: Mandiri Indonesia Open
- Date: August 28-31, 2025
- Venue: Pondok Indah Golf Course, Jakarta
- Par/Yards: 72 / 7,243 yards
- Purse: US$500,000 (winner US$90,000)
- Defending champion: Steve Lewton (ENG)
- Asian Tour leg: Ninth
- Edition of tournament: 41st
- Total number of players: 150
- Format: Stroke play tournament over four rounds of 18 holes with a cut made after 36 holes. The leading 65 professionals plus ties progress.
- Social media hashtags: #TimeToRise
Last year’s champion Steve Lewton. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
Field Breakdown
- Order of Merit winners: Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019)
- Nationalities: 26
- Top contenders: Danthai Boonma (THA), Ryan Peake (AUS), Poom Saksansin (THA), Kevin Yuan (AUS), Steve Lewton (ENG), Taichi Kho (HKG), Jazz Janewattananond (THA)
- Highest ranked player on OWGR: Danthai Boonma# 401
- Highest ranked player on 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit: Danthai Boonma (THA) #6
- of amateurs: 14
- of Indonesian players in the field: 33
Tournament Notes
- Defending champion Steve Lewton from England has not had his best season on the Asian Tour and will be looking at his fond memories from last year’s win to boost his confidence. The two-time Asian Tour winner has a T24 as his best finish on the Asian Tour this season but during a tune up at last week’s Asian Development Tour event in Indonesia he finished T5 so he might be trending back into form.
- Danthai Boonma from Thailand is the highest ranked player on the Order of Merit in sixth place after a runner-up at the International Series Morocco in July and a T8 at the season opening Smart Infinity Philippine Open in January. He has also recorded a win on All Thailand Tour’s Singha Championship in early August as well as a runner up on the same tour two weeks earlier.
- New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport champion Ryan Peake from Australia has not had the easiest time transitioning to the Asian Tour since his win in Queenstown, earning him a start in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, with a T33 in Morocco as his best result since. Still, the number seven on the Order of Merit will have plenty of time to make amends with the heavy part of the schedule coming up starting this week in Jakarta.
- Fellow Australian Kevin Yuan has enjoyed a consistently good 2025 season on the Asian Tour having started out with a fourth-place finish in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open and a T8 at the International Series India presented by DLF. Since then, he has posted a T10 at the International Series Morrocco and a T15 at the Kolon Korea Open, as well as a T3 on the China Tour in Shandong. He is 12th on the Order of Merit.
- Thai player Poom Saksansin was runner up to his countryman Sadom Kaewkanjana at the Kolon Korea Open after coming up two shots short and also recorded another top five at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open where he finished T5. Although not one of the longer players off the tee, Poom is known for his grittiness and accuracy and will always be dangerous when the putter gets hot.
- Taichi Kho from Hong Kong had a good start to his 2025 Asian Tour campaign with a T8 at the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport, a T6 at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn and a T4 at the Kolon Korea Open. He also posted a T10 at the International Series Morocco in July. The winner of the 2023 World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club looks ready to notch his second Asian Tour victory soon. He is one place behind Yuan on the Merit list.
- An Order of Merit winner in 2019, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond has been out of the winner’s circle, since the 2022 International Series Morocco, way too long for his caliber of player. But with a T2 at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May and a T8 at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn in March during the first half of the year, the seven-time Asian Tour winner looks like he’s back on the right track with his swing and ready to win again.
Steve Lewton, one of the most liked players on the Asian Tour, was third-time lucky as he carved out a popular victory at the Mandiri Indonesia Open 12 months ago. Story from the 2024 Asian Tour Yearbook.
The 41-year-old from England was tied second in the tournament the last previous years – finishing two shots behind India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar in 2022 and again two adrift of Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong the following year. It seemed he would miss out once again when he finished with a double bogey on the 72nd hole in regulation play in 2024, but a birdie on the second play-off hole ensured him a second Asian Tour title – one that came after a 10-year wait from his maiden win at the 2014 Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
At Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course, Lewton started the final round one shot behind third-round leader Australian Aaron Wilkin, who had set a stunning course record 10-under 61 in the first round.
Lewton started Sunday with four straight pars before a terrific stretch of five birdies in the next six holes steered him clear of the field at 18-under par. Wilkin had begun with a bogey and was one-under par for the day after 10 holes, trailing Lewton by three shots, while promising Chinese rookie Sampson Zheng had moved to 16-under par with four birdies and a bogey.
And then it all started unravelling for Lewton. Bogeys on the 13th and 14th holes pulled him back to 16-under par. He then knuckled down to make successive birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to go ahead by two shots once again, before the disaster on the 18th. He pulled his tee shot on the par-four final hole for the double bogey. He closed with a 68 to tie at the top with Zheng (68) and Wilkin (69).
Steve Lewton celebrates his victory last year. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
The first play-off, on the 18th hole, was halved with all three making bogies, but Lewton was the one closest with his par putt, which he missed from four feet. His heart was in his mouth moments later as his tee shot veered left towards the hazard on the second play-off hole, again on 18, but stopped on the cart path. From there, he hit a brilliant shot to eight feet and made the birdie putt.
A relieved Lewton said: “It’s just been a long, long time, and I feel like in the last three years, I’ve been playing quite good. So, it’s just nice to get over the line and win a tournament again, because it’s been a long time since I had that feeling.
“I thought when I got through 10 holes, I felt like I was coasting. And then I made it difficult again through 14, and then I birdied 16 and 17, and then I had a mini disaster on 18. I was just very happy to get it done the second time of asking in the play-off.
“I am very happy not to finish second again.”
Wilkin, who graduated from the 2023 Asian Development Tour, was disappointed not to have completed the job.
“I just didn’t play well enough to be fair, but I thought I handled myself pretty well,” said Wilkin. “I controlled my emotions until probably the play-off, but I reckon those were just poor swings.
“I still felt pretty good. It’s all good. I mean, I would have loved to win. It would have wrapped up my card for a couple of years, but I feel like the game is going in the right direction.”
Sampson Zheng just fell short of his first win last year in Indonesia. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
Without doubt, Wilkin owned the opening day after his 61, when he broke Frank Nobilo’s 30-year course record.
“It was one of those days. I hit it close on four or five holes. I had a couple of easy tap-ins, then holed a few nice putts and didn’t make any mistakes. I will take that for sure. There was some lucky stuff, which I am going to take and run with it,” Wilkin said after Thursday’s round.
Zheng, who finished runner-up at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, showed his class once again with rounds of 65 and 63 on the first two days. A double bogey on the par-four eighth hole on Saturday was his only big mistake as he posted his best finish on the Asian Tour, bettering the tied fourth at International Series England.
“I kept myself in it the entire day. There were a couple of putts that just didn’t quite fall my way on the back nine. I gave myself opportunities all day, and that’s what I wanted to do, and I did that. So overall, happy with the performance,” the University of California, Berkeley graduate said.
Australia’s Travis Smyth (67) and China’s Liu Yanwei (68) were one shot adrift of the play-off, finishing tied fourth at 15-under-par total.
International Series Philippines is set to make a spectacular debut in Manila with a marquee field headlined by Major champions Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.
The quartet will tee it up at Sta. Elena Golf Club from 23 – 26 October as The International Series lands in the Philippines for the first time, bringing world-class golf and the pathway to the LIV Golf League to one of Southeast Asia’s most passionate golf communities.
Paired with an elite playing field, the event will offer dynamic entertainment, from a headline concert and exclusive hospitality to atmospheric live music, gourmet dining, and immersive fan activities.
Two-time Masters champion and RangeGoats GC captain Watson brings hot form to the Philippines. The American finished T14 at this year’s Masters and posted a runner-up finish at LIV Golf UK among three top-10s on the League this season.
The left-hander, who memorably made a hole in one on his International Series debut at last year’s BNI Indonesian Masters, said: “This will be my first time playing in the Philippines and I’m really looking forward to it. Golf is global so getting to be involved when it is reaching new places is really cool to see. Meeting fans that are new to golf, and excited about it, is always inspiring to me. I really hope we can spark something special here and maybe even inspire the next generation of golfers.”
Ryder Cup star and 2018 Masters champion Reed comes into the tournament in good form, having notched up his first LIV Golf League victory in Dallas earlier this year.
In the Philippines Patrick Reed will be looking to win his second International Series title. Picture by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images.
The 4Aces GC player is no stranger to The International Series. The 35-year-old is defending champion at the Link Hong Kong Open, which takes place the following week.
He also finished runner-up to Carlos Ortiz at International Series Macau presented by Wynn earlier this season, and as the tournament was an official Open Qualifying event, the performance earned him a place in the field for The Open in Royal Portrush.
Reed said: “The International Series has given me an incredible opportunity to travel and immerse myself in new cultures around the world. It has also allowed me to compete against players from across Asia, who continue to raise their game through the experience gained at these high-profile events. I’m looking forward to playing in front of a new audience of golf and sports fans in the Philippines.”
Teeing off alongside Reed will be 2011 Masters champion Schwartzel. The South African also has momentum, highlighted by a recent T10 finish at International Series Morocco and five top-15 performances on LIV Golf, including a runner-up finish in Miami.
Joining him is Stinger GC teammate and compatriot Oosthuizen. The 2010 Open champion has also been in fine form on the LIV Golf League with two top-five finishes including a second place in Dallas. Last season he also recorded a runner-up finish at International Series Oman and a T3 at International Series Qatar.
Carrying the hopes of the nation is Miguel Tabuena, the highest-ranked Filipino golfer on the Asian Tour. Tabuena ranked second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2023 and seventh in 2024. He is sure to attract a large following on course.
“It’s an honour to represent my country at the first-ever International Series event here,” said Tabuena. “I am very excited that The International Series is coming to Manila. I know how much this tournament can do for golf in the Philippines, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
International Series Philippines represents a significant milestone for the LIV Golf-backed series.
“Bringing The International Series to the Philippines is a moment of great pride,” said Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series. “We’re not only delivering a world-class field, but we’re also laying the foundation for long-term growth of the game here. With major champions like Bubba, Patrick, Louis, and Charl competing alongside local heroes like Miguel, fans are in for a truly special week of golf.”
The tournament marks the seventh of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar that provide players with a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League through its season-long rankings.
Tickets for International Series Philippines are available here.
Recent Comments