Vincent and Ogletree aiming to put Rankings points on board early
Kieran Vincent and Andy Ogletree are set to tee it up at the International Series Japan this week aiming to bank early points on The International Series Rankings, as they look to play their way back to the LIV Golf League.
The tournament tees-off on Thursday at Caledonian Golf Club and is the season-opening event on The International Series. Both have been regulars on The International Series since its launch in 2022.
Vincent, winner of International Series Vietnam in 2023, arrives in Japan determined to build on a strong 2025 campaign that saw him finish inside the top 20 of the Rankings. A tied-third finish at the Jakarta International Championship brought him within touching distance of the top while earning him a place at LIV Golf Promotions at the start of this year. He failed to progress at the Promotions event, unlike in 2023 when a top three finish secured him a place on the League.
The Zimbabwean said: “Missing out at LIV Promotions earlier this year was tough, but playing on the Asian Tour and The International Series gives you another opportunity to earn your way back. That’s where I want to be, and I know this is the platform to get there.”
The route he is targeting is one his brother, Scott Vincent, knows well. Scott topped The International Series Rankings for a second time last season to secure another return to the LIV Golf League. He also won the Rankings in 2022.
Andy Ogletree. Picture by Steve Bardens/Asian Tour.
Returning to Japan, where he finished T12 last season, the 29-year-old is embracing both the challenge and the journey ahead. He explained: “Japan is such a vibrant golfing destination, and playing in front of those fans is something I really look forward to. Everyone wants to perform, but for me this year is about staying present, embracing the tough moments, and enjoying the race over the season.”
Ogletree, a three-time International Series winner, knows exactly what it takes to convert performance into opportunity. The American won the 2023 International Series Rankings to secure his LIV Golf League card, going on to compete for Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Now back on the Series, the 28-year-old is focused on regaining momentum and returning to the League.
“Building momentum early in the year is very important to me,” said Ogletree. “My goal is to get back to LIV as quickly as possible. A strong start can open doors, whether that’s getting back into the field or putting yourself in position for the rest of the season.”
His time on LIV Golf included standout performances such as a tied-third finish in Adelaide and a tied-sixth result in England in 2024, experiences that have only sharpened his resolve.
“My goals heading to Japan are simple,” he added. “Stick to my process, build a strong game plan, and commit fully to every shot. I’m getting back to playing how I know I can, and I’m excited to compete again.”
The Philippine Open will tee off at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club [pictured] from 12–15 November this year, and for the first time Asia’s oldest National Open will be part of the blossoming International Series.
The move follows the success of last year’s International Series Philippines, won by Filipino Miguel Tabuena, and the Asian Tour’s continuing presence in one of its most popular destinations.
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Last year, The International Series demonstrated what a world-class event in the Philippines looks and feels like. The passion for golf in this country is unmistakable, as we saw from the crowds that came. Elevating the Philippine Open onto our 2026 schedule is a natural next step, strengthening a historic national tournament while creating greater opportunity for players through our global pathway.”
The Philippine Open was last played as the season-opening event on the Asian Tour last year, when Frenchman Julien Sale triumphed – at Manila Southwoods.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, said: “The Asian Tour is delighted to see the Philippine Open elevated to The International Series. We have enjoyed a decades-long relationship with the Philippine Open and the National Golf Association of the Philippines and we are extremely glad to see that their National Open will now take its rightful place as the biggest golf event in the country.
Julien Sale pictured winning the Philippine Open last year. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
“We visited the Philippines twice last year, and, following today’s announcement, it will be the case again this year. It all points to a key period of growth in one of our favourite destinations, evidenced by Miguel Tabuena becoming the first-ever player from the Philippines to take his place on the lucrative LIV Golf League, largely thanks to his performance at last year’s International Series Philippines. We thank the NGAP, LIV Golf, and Manila Southwoods for all their efforts.”
Martin Lorenzo, President of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, said: “We are proud to see our historic Philippine Open elevated onto The International Series schedule and to welcome a world-class field to Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. This presents a valuable platform for our local professionals to compete alongside leading international talent, while showcasing the strength and growth of Philippine golf.”
This year will mark the sixth time that Manila Southwoods has hosted the event. It also staged it in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2025.
Robert John Sobrepeña, Chairman of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, said: “We are honoured to host the 2026 Philippine Open at the Masters course of Manila Southwoods this November. I would like to thank the National Golf Association of the Philippines, the Asian Tour, and the LIV Golf-backed International Series for selecting Manila Southwoods as the venue for this prestigious event.
“Rest assured, the Club’s management will do everything possible to ensure a successful event and present the course in the best possible condition for world-class golf.
“Finally, we invite all golfers and the public to join us and witness this top-level competition as well as enjoy the golf course and the club’s facilities.”
The Singapore Open is set to tee off with The Business Times (BT), part of SPH Media, as a new presenting partner for its 2026 edition. This is an exciting development for the celebrated event, as it marks the first time that a flagship news publication has sealed such a partnership with the National Open.
The tournament returns to the highly acclaimed Sentosa Golf Club – to be played over The Serapong [main picture] from 23 to 26 April 2026.
As one of the tournaments on The International Series, the Singapore Open celebrates golf, and profiles Singapore and the local sports scene to a global audience. This spirit is shared by BT, especially in its efforts to expand overseas and bring Singapore perspectives to a global audience, making it particularly apt for BT to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year by kicking off its celebrations with the Singapore business and golf communities. The latest partnership with the Asian Tour is another feather in the cap to bring new formats and outreach to BT’s audiences.
“As The Business Times marks its 50th anniversary this year, our strategic partnership with the Asian Tour in the Singapore Open represents a perfect synergy between two disciplines defined by strategy and foresight,” said Chen Huifen, Editor of BT.
“For half a century, we have served as Singapore’s leading financial daily, not just reporting on the markets, but championing excellence through our various business awards that mirror our nation’s economic priorities. By anchoring ourselves in this premier regional circuit, we reinforce our commitment to transcending borders—aligned with our own evolution as we bring our trusted financial insights to a wider base of audiences.”
Yosuke Asaji – the 2025 champion.
The US$2 million tournament, won last year by Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, after he overcame Jeunghun Wang from Korea in a play-off, will be the fourth leg on this year’s Asian Tour schedule.
Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, “This new relationship between the Singapore Open and The Business Times, two of the country’s strongest brands, is an exciting one that promises to be a win-win.”
“The new partnership is perfectly timed as we prepare for the tournament’s return to Sentosa Golf Club. We thank SPH Media and The Business Times for taking this decision. This is phenomenal for the Singapore Open and the Asian Tour, as it means we can reach more audiences through SPH Media’s vast network of media outlets and partners, both in Singapore and throughout the SEA region.”
April’s tournament will be the 54th staging of what is one of the region’s most treasured Opens, which was played last year for the first time since 2022.
Joshua Ho, CEO of the Singapore Golf Association, said: “We are pleased to welcome The Business Times as the presenting partner of the Singapore Open. As Singapore’s National Open, it is important for us to work with strong local partners, and there is positive synergy in this partnership. The Business Times has a strong reach and brings a credible platform to tell more meaningful stories – from the players and competition to the broader impact of golf’s ecosystem in Singapore. This partnership will help strengthen the tournament’s connection with the business community while broadening engagement with golf fans across the region.”
The Singapore Open became part of The International Series for the first time last year. The Series, upper echelon events on the Asian Tour, provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League, something which Asaji benefited greatly from last year. His victory helped him finish second on The International Series Rankings, which saw the top two earn playing privileges on the LIV Golf League this year.
As well as providing access to the LIV Golf League, this year’s Singapore Open will also pave the way for qualification to The Open in July 2026, as it will be part of the Open Qualifying Series.
The leading two players, not otherwise exempt, will be rewarded with places in the game’s oldest Major, which will be played at Royal Birkdale from 16 to 19 July 2026.
While Richard T. Lee narrowly failed to make it an Asian Tour winner on the LIV Golf League at the weekend, four other Tour members recorded wins last week.
Australian Travis Smyth won the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, his compatriot Will Florimo claimed the Heritage Classic, on the same tour, China’s Jin Zihao secured the China Tour’s Hongyunlang Guangdong Open, and Jose Toledo from Guatemala was triumphant at the Hacienda Nueva Open, on his local circuit.
Asian Tour star Lee was beaten by American Bryson DeChambeau in extra-time at LIV Golf Singapore, a result that was just reward for the Canadian’s fine period of form over the past four seasons.
Similarly, Smyth being crowned the Merit champion is also recompense for regularly being in contention for over a long period.
He successfully navigated four rounds at the Heritage Classic last week to ensure he has an unassailable lead at the top of the Order of Merit with just one event remaining this week.
Will Florimo.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal run of events to finish number one. He received an invite to play his first event of the season at last month’s Quinovic NZ PGA Championship, where he tied for fifth, played the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort, an event joint-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, where he finished fifth again, and then won the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. He claimed that in a six-hole playoff against Australian Jack Thompson, another Asian Tour member.
“I wasn’t planning for this,” Smyth said after learning he cannot be unseated at the top of the Merit list.
“I wasn’t playing these events to try and win the Order of Merit. It was never really in my mind. I just wanted to play well, keep my card for the following year so that I didn’t have to ask for invites if I wanted to play Aussie Open or Aussie PGA or any event, really.”
Florimo, fifth at this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School, was successful at the Heritage event – claiming his maiden title on the Australasian circuit.
The Queenslander shot a final round three-under-par 69 to win by two at The Heritage Golf and Country Club. Florimo had come close on three previous occasions during the season in Australia, which prompted his decision to have a crack at the Asian Tour’s school.
Jin Zihao.
Said the Australian, who won despite bogeying the last two holes: “I’ve been playing very solid golf these past two years, and I knew it was going to gel one week.
“I’ve had so many close calls and it felt like a seesaw all day. I had chances to really run away with it, but I kept giving them back.”
Jin Zihao, also a graduate at this year’s Qualifying School, having secured the 32nd card, won at what was the season opening event on the China Tour. Remarkably, it marked his ninth win in just two years on the mainland circuit.
Toledo, another qualifying school graduate but from 2024, won an event run his by his country’s national golf association.
Richard T. Lee would have taken many positives from his heroic performance at LIV Golf Singapore at the weekend but none more than Bryson DeChambeau’s comments when play finally came to an end at Sentosa Golf Club yesterday.
DeChambeau called his Canadian opponent ‘a real superstar’ after defeating him on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off in dramatic circumstances on the Serapong Course.
To the disbelief of the crowd, Lee missed a two-foot putt for par that would have extended the play-off after DeChambeau made a brilliant par-save having found water off the tee.
“Absolutely hated it for Richard,” said DeChambeau – after recording his fourth win on the LIV Golf League and first since Korea last May
“He’s been playing some unbelievable golf. He’s beat me in a few of the rounds I’ve played with him, and he’s a stellar player. I wanted to go another hole with him. As much as winning is great, I have a lot of respect for Richard and the way he golfs his ball out there.”
Bryson DeChambeau holds the trophy aloft after winning LIV Golf Singapore, as second place Richard T. Lee and Lee Westwood, in third, look on. Picture by Jason Butler/Getty Images.
Lee stormed through on the last day, making four birdies in the last six, and took the clubhouse lead to set up an historic and unlikely victory by the underdog.
But DeChambeau draw level with a birdie on the final hole in regulation to catch Lee before again overturning the odds in extra time.
Added DeChambeau: “He was quite impressive; I was coming down the last three holes, like all right, I think I’m one ahead of everybody, and seeing Richard go and play the way he did finishing out, he’s a real superstar, and the league should be really proud to have him on as a wild card.”
Lee won LIV Golf Promotions in January to become the first Canadian to play on the LIV Golf League. It followed four outstandings seasons on the Asian Tour, where he has played since 2013 and won three times.
The performance in Singapore will go a long way towards keeping his playing privileges on the League next year, and perhaps help earn him a place on one of the 13 teams.
The League moves to South Africa this week for the inaugural LIV Golf event there at The Club at Steyn City.
Asian Tour star Richard T. Lee became a star on the LIV Golf League today when he came agonisingly close to recording one of the biggest upset wins in the history of the franchise.
The Canadian was defeated by American Bryson DeChambeau on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off at LIV Golf Singapore – in a gripping and unexpected finish on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, that will live long in the memory of Asian golf fans.
Lee had looked odds on favourite to record a famous win but DeChambeau, and the large crowd assembled, were left aghast when he missed a two-foot putt for par to hand his American opponent the win.
Moments earlier DeChambeau, in rainy conditions that caused several delays, had found water off the tee on par-five 18th but scrambled a par, thanks to a brilliant up and down after draining a three footer.
Lee found the green in regulation and faced a makeable uphill birdie putt from 15 feet for the title. It narrowly slid by before he proceeded to miss the next as well, which was inside his opponent’s.
Richard T. Lee. Picture by Jason Butler/Getty Images.
It came after Lee had secured the clubhouse lead on 14-under, thanks to brilliant round of five-under-par 66, with four birdies in the last six, including on 17 and 18. However, DeChambeau, playing in the final group also birdied 18 to tie the Canadian. He also shot 66.
Said Lee about his final putt: “There’s some slick putts out there. There’s some little lies out there. It was a short putt, and I wanted to just hit it hard, and I hit it a little too hard. I think the adrenaline was pumping a little bit. Then again, I felt like I had it this week. I played really well. Hopefully next week I can try again.”
Despite just missing out it is arguably the finest performance his career.
The 35-year-old is a three-time winner on the Asian Tour and won LIV Golf Promotions in January to earn his place on the League, as a ‘Wild Card’.
He explained the result was the culmination of several seasons of brilliant form: “I think the last three or four years, ever since I changed that putter to a mallet putter, my putting stats got better and I think I built a lot more confidence out there.
Bryson DeChambeau reacts to Lee’s missed putt on 18. Picture by Jason Butler/Getty Images.
“LIV Promotions, there’s only three spots, and you’ve got to play lights out. Yeah, I just played the best I can and don’t look back.”
Dusin Johnson’s 4Aces GC side won the team title
Richard T. Lee’s remarkable journey on the LIV Golf League this year reaches another big moment this week when he competes in the Aramco LIV Golf Singapore – which starts tomorrow on the magnificent Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.
The Canadian is here thanks to a stunning wire-to-wire victory in January at LIV Golf Promotions – where the top-three earned a place on the League. It was a result that surprised no one as it followed season upon season of repeatedly featuring on the leaderboards on the Asian Tour.
Since winning Promotions his season and life have taken on a completely new dimension, as he settled into becoming the first player from his country to compete on the LIV Golf League.
Strong performances in all of the events played so far – in Riyadh, Adelaide and Hong Kong – have proven he has the game to compete at the highest level.
And at Sentosa this week he’ll be hoping to capitalise on playing a familiar venue that has such strong ties with the Asian Tour, as was the case at the Hong Kong Golf Club last week.
Richard T. Lee.
It’s fair to say the 35-year-old is having the time of his life; made even more astonishing because he so nearly did not to make the trip to LIV Golf Promotions, played at Black Diamond Ranch, Florida.
“I mean, it was a very quick call, you know,” he explained this week, “getting a flight, getting into LIV Promotions at the last minute. And, yeah, it’s been just weird.
“I mean, I felt like the week before I spoke with my wife, and she said, ‘don’t go’. I mean, it’s a bit too far. And, you know, it’s very last minute, but I decided to go. And, yeah, the performance was really great that week. And I don’t think I missed a shot or missed a put out there that week – excellent.”
He won by five shots from fellow Asian Tour member Bjorn Hellgren from Sweden, while American Anthony Kim was third, securing the other card.
Lee tied for 13th in LIV Golf’s season opening event in Riyadh, came equal 37th in Adelaide before finishing joint 18th in Hong Kong.
He’s in a very respectable 26th on the overall rankings, currently being led by Spanish star Jon Rahm.
The opportunity to begin the season in his part of the world has been a huge advantage. He has been playing on the Asian Tour since 2013 and claimed three titles – the most recent being the Indonesian Masters in 2024, which was part of The International Series.
Richard T. Lee.
Since play resumed on the Asian Tour at the end of 2021, after the global pandemic, he has been one of the in-form players finishing second on four occasions and third the same amount of times.
Back in 2020 he was fifth at the Singapore Open, so he knows what it takes to successfully negotiate its Serapong Course – one of the region’s most highly-rated layouts.
He says: “Such a pure course, to be honest. I mean, I don’t think there’s one year that I’ve played this course with bad greens and the conditions out here. I mean, it’s gonna be pretty tough, it seems like.
“And the wind, if it picks up, it’s even tougher. Always love coming back to Singapore. The food’s amazing, and the course is amazing. And hopefully the crowds come out here and have fun.”
Lee also says he is comfortable playing in the unique party-like atmosphere of the LIV Golf League, where cool music is always playing in the background.
“Yeah, I love it,” he said.
“I mean, you know, it’s pretty comfortable, actually, for me. I mean, the music is pretty fun. The crowds were crazy in Adelaide. I mean, you see the crowds out there, you know, rooting for a lot of guys, and it’s a different atmosphere out there, absolutely.”
He has been paired with American Charles Howell III and Tom McKibbin from the Northern Ireland on day one, starting on hole 6.
The Link Hong Kong Open will once again play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the season on the Asian Tour and The International Series with organisers confirming today the celebrated event will be played at Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), Fanling, from 22-25 October 2026.
It will boast prize money of US$2million and for the fourth successive season form part of The International Series, the upper echelon of events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.
“The historic Hong Kong Open has long attracted some of the game’s biggest stars and we very much look forward to staging the 65th edition at Fanling,” said Andy Kwok, Captain, HKGC.
“Always a favourite with players and fans alike, the tournament is an undisputed highlight on the local sporting calendar and underscores our Club’s commitment to furthering Hong Kong’s status as a major events capital.
“Our tremendous thanks to Link Asset Management for being title sponsor for a third consecutive year. It really promises to be another wonderful week of first-class golf and entertainment.”
Tom McKibbin after winning last year. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.
Today’s news comes after LIV Golf Hong Kong came to an exciting climax at HKGC at the weekend. Thousands of fans watched Jon Rahm win the individual title, and Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces side secure team honours.
Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “The Asian Tour is delighted to confirm a prime date on our calendar for the Link Hong Kong Open.
“Our close affinity to the prestigious event and special relationship with Hong Kong Golf Club, as well as the tournament partners, is well known and we are pleased to have finalised details for this year’s edition. We thank HKGC, the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China, and LIV Golf for their incredible support.”
This year will mark the 65th staging of the event. First played in 1959, it is the longest-running international sporting event in Hong Kong, and ranks alongside Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament, as the only golf clubs to have hosted the same professional tournament for over 60 years.
Said Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series: “The 2026 edition will be the fourth time the tournament has featured on The International Series schedule, and its stature at Fanling continues to resonate with players and fans. The strong crowds we have seen year after year underline our commitment to elevating flagship events and bringing world-class golf to Hong Kong.”
This season will also mark the third consecutive year Link Asset Management Limited (Link) – a leading international real estate investor and asset manager – will be title sponsor.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin won the tournament last year after a breathtaking wire-to-wire seven-shot victory that saw him earn invites to this year’s Open Championship and Masters Tournament.
The LIV Golf star, who plays for Rahm’s Legion XIII team, broke the 72-hole record with a four-round aggregate of 27-under 253. He also matched the biggest margin of victory.
For the third consecutive year the tournament was also voted by the players as The International Series Tournament of the Year.
In 2023, HKGC was also named the Players’ Choice Course of the Year – adding to its long list of accolades.
Main picture, from left-to-right: Bryant Lu (Vice-Captain, HKGC), Andy Kwok (Captain, HKGC), Cho Minn Thant (Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour) and Daniel O’Neill (Director of Golf and General Manager Designate, HKGC).
The ongoing fine form of Travis Smyth and Jack Thompson was rewarded at the weekend at the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship when the Australian stars faced off against each other in a marathon sudden-death play-off.
Smyth triumphed after he made birdie on the sixth play-off hole at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club on Sunday – in a new event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and Japan Golf Tour.
It’s the culmination of extended periods of excellent golf by both players, including on the Asian Tour.
Smyth is currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit after finishing fifth and third in the first two events of year. That’s off the back of four strong seasons in Asia when he won once, at the Yeangder TPC in 2022 – his last win before this week – finished second three times, and third on four occasions.
Thompson finished runner-up twice last year, continuing to fulfil the potential he showed when he won the Asian Tour’s 2023 Qualifying School.
Jack Thompson.
Smyth and Thompson finished on 15-under-par after regulation play, one ahead of Justin De Los Santos from the Philippines – a Japan Tour regular.
Smyth closed with a five-under-par 67, while Thompson matched the course record with a 64, and having started the day six off the lead needed to wait nearly two hours for the last group to finish.
“I’m just so happy and over the moon that all the hard work, all the consistency, it’s finally paid off,” said Smyth.
“I’ve had so many top-fives and top-10s over the last four or five years and I’m watching guys win tournaments and not play as consistent as I am. And I’m just thinking ‘when’s my time going to come?’ It was this week. I’m so happy.”
The win moved him to the top of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia with just two events remaining.
He now has a two-year exemption on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and can play the rest of 2026 and the next two seasons on the Japan Golf Tour.
Said Thompson: “I thought I’m still pretty far away. I just thought I’ll have a good round, hopefully sneak into the top five.”
Both Smyth and Thompson have won once before in Australia. The former at the Northern Territory PGA Championship in 2017, impressively as an amateur, while the latter at Gippsland Super 6 Match Play in 2021.
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