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.

For the second year in succession the Philippines will enjoy the distinction of hosting the opening event of the season on the Asian Tour when he it stages the Philippine President’s Trophy next month.

The inaugural event will be played on the famously treacherous East Course at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club [main picture], in Manila – from 5-8 February.

Offering a total prize purse of US$500,000, the event underscores the growing partnership between the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) – the sport’s governing body in the country – and the Asian Tour.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the tournament comes hot on the heels of a landmark year for Philippine golf.

The country’s number one golfer Miguel Tabuena claimed the International Series Philippines – for one of the nation’s greatest sporting triumphs – plus Aidric Chan and Carl Jano Corpus triumphed on the Asian Development Tour.

The introduction of the Philippine President’s Trophy is viewed as another major step in reinforcing the nation’s position as a regional golfing powerhouse.

Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “The Asian Tour is absolutely delighted to confirm the Philippine President’s Trophy will raise the curtain on our 2026 season. It is phenomenal for us to start the new season with a brand-new event in one of our most popular destinations”

Miguel Tabuena after claiming the International Series Philippines last year. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

“We started last year strongly in Manila as well, at the Philippine Open, and it will be with great enthusiasm that we return there in just over three weeks, to commence what will be another season of great promise and opportunity.

“We thank our friends at the NGAP for their support and commitment, and we also welcome the return to Wack Wack – a special venue, full of memories and where par is to be respected.”

The tournament carries the official endorsement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and represents a modern revival of one of the country’s most prestigious sporting traditions.

The President’s Trophy traces its heritage to the historic President’s Cup, once regarded as one of Philippine golf’s four Majors alongside the Philippine Open, Philippine Masters, and National PGA Championship.

“Working closely with the Asian Tour, we are proud to showcase our players, our courses, and our capability to stage world-class events,” said NGAP Chairman Al Panlilio.

“This tournament not only honors our rich golfing heritage but also inspires the next generation of Filipino golfers.”

The field will comprise 144 players, including 97 Asian Tour members, 25 Philippine professionals, 16 invited players, and six national amateurs – ensuring strong local representation alongside the region’s leading professionals.

“Hosting the season opener of the Asian Tour for the second straight year reflects the confidence the international sporting community has in the Philippines,” commented PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“The Philippine President’s Trophy aligns perfectly with our vision of using major events to inspire excellence, elevate Filipino athletes and strengthen the country’s sports tourism and global sporting profile,” added Gregorio.

The Philippine President’s Trophy is the latest marquee sporting event to land in the country, adding to an impressive calendar that last year included the FIVB Men’s World Cup, the Futsal World Cup, the World Junior Gymnastics Championships, and a premier international windsurfing classic.

These high-profile events underscore the Philippines’ growing stature as a global host and align squarely with the government’s sports tourism push, spearheaded by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), which is under the leadership of Gregorio as its Chairman.

“The Filipino golfers can compete against the world’s best, and we have proven that time and again. The Philippines as a golf destination is likewise comparable with the world’s best,” added Gregorio.

“Golf will be one of the pillars of our sports tourism efforts. The PSC and NST-IAC will work closely with NGAP to make sure we are successful.”

The Asian Tour last visited Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in 2014 for the Philippine Open, when Australia’s Marcus Both claimed victory on the East Course.

The venue also holds a special place in golfing history, having hosted the 1977 World Cup of Golf, where Spain’s Seve Ballesteros and Antonio Garrido successfully defended their title.

Filipino icons Ben Arda and Rudy Lavares finished runners-up, while South African legend Gary Player captured individual honors.

With history, prestige, and momentum firmly aligned, the Philippine President’s Trophy is poised to deliver a fitting and compelling start to the Asian Tour’s new season.

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.

Few players appreciate the life-changing potential of LIV Golf Promotions quite like Kieran Vincent.

Three years on from emerging as one of the inaugural success stories of the event, the Zimbabwean enters this year’s edition at Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club knowing firsthand that one exceptional week can change everything.

Vincent was among the first players to experience the full impact of LIV Golf Promotions in 2023, when a tied-second finish secured him one of three coveted LIV Golf League cards. That breakthrough launched him onto the global stage, earning a place on the Iron Heads GC and opening the next chapter of his career.

Now 28, Vincent arrives in Florida this week carrying a sharper, more battle-tested edge. Following relegation from the LIV Golf League, his 2025 campaign on The International Series, the Asian Tour’s set of elevated events, became both a proving ground and a reset. It was a season defined by resilience, perspective, and one navigated alongside his brother amid one of the most fiercely contested Rankings races in Series history.

“It’s really cool to be back and have the chance to compete at LIV Golf Promotions again,” Vincent said. “Going through the process in 2023 and earning my card was a great experience, and knowing I’ve done it before gives me a lot of belief that it’s possible again. I’m grateful to have that experience behind me, and it’s definitely an honour to be back in the field.”

While the stakes remain familiar, Vincent insists his mindset has evolved. Experience has taught him that at Promotions, opportunity doesn’t always have to be grasped perfectly.

Kieran Vincent (left) made it through LIV Golf Promotions in 2023, along with Kalle Samoooja and Jinchiro Kozuma. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“In terms of preparation, not a lot changes, good golf usually takes care of itself,” he explained. “But one thing I remember telling myself after 2023 was that while you always want to win, a top-three finish can be life-changing. This week is another reminder of that. You don’t often go into a tournament thinking top three is enough, but here it really can open doors — and that’s what makes it so special.”

Competing in The International Series in 2025, Vincent produced a string of solid performances that reflected growth and grit. Highlights included a tied-third finish at the Jakarta International Championship, finishing just behind his brother, along with top-15 results at International Series Macau presented by Wynn and International Series Japan presented by Moutai.

“My season on The International Series was solid,” Vincent said. “There were some good finishes, though of course I would’ve liked it to be a little stronger overall. But I learned a lot about my game, about myself, and about how I handle things both on and off the course. Those lessons will really help propel my career this year and beyond.”

The season-long battle for Rankings positions was among the tightest the Series has seen, with two LIV Golf League cards on offer, a dynamic which Vincent believes raises the standard and the pressure.

“The Rankings race was incredibly tight,” he said. “Whenever there’s a lot on the line, things naturally become more intense. Having two spots available was a great opportunity, and hopefully that continues going forward, because it really rewards consistently good golf. The guys who finished top two played outstanding golf, so full credit to them.”

Adding another layer to Vincent’s motivation is the success of his brother Scott, who secured his own route back to LIV. It is a family journey that has sharpened his focus heading into the week.

“It was really special to see my brother earn his way back,” Vincent said after his brother finished top of the 2025 Rankings.

“He worked incredibly hard and played great golf all season, so it was fully deserved. We’ve spent a lot of time supporting each other, and the idea of being back out there together again would mean a lot. It’s definitely added motivation, but at the end of the day, you still have to go out there and take care of what you can control.”

LIV Golf announced it has increased its regular season field size and enhanced the qualifying opportunities for 2026 in the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, set for 8-11 January, 2026, at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem, offering coveted spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and The International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

Beginning this February, LIV Golf’s regular season field size will increase to 57 players, with 13 four-player teams and five Wild Card players competing throughout the League’s global schedule. LIV Golf Promotions will now reward the top three finishers with full-season Wild Card spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League, an increase from the two spots previously announced. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series, the set of elevated events sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The move further enhances the pathways into LIV Golf from 2025 to 2026, with an increase in exemptions from one to two players through The International Series and an increase from one to three players through LIV Golf Promotions. The five qualifying players will compete independently as Wild Cards in 2026 with guaranteed spots in the League’s 13 regular season events.

“LIV Golf is committed to moving the sport forward by expanding opportunity and access,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. “We are opening pathways—creating more chances for top talent to compete in the world’s golf league. Adding another qualifying spot strengthens our field and adds excitement to a season built on opportunity, competition, and growth.”

Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji finished first and second on The International Series Rankings to secure their places on the LIV Golf League. Picture by Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

The top three finishers in LIV Golf Promotions will enter the 2026 LIV Golf League alongside Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, who sealed their spots as the top two players in the final rankings of the 2025 International Series, which concluded last month at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Riyadh Golf Club.

Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world are eligible to participate in LIV Golf Promotions, with 83 players representing 24 countries registered to compete. This year’s field features a strong blend of emerging global talent and proven professionals, with an average age of 30 years old, including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, and additional rising stars in the game. More than half (47) of the 83 players have won an event in the past two years, including 32 different tournament winners in 2025 (all events eligible with the Official World Golf Ranking / World Amateur Golf Ranking).

LIV Golf Promotions will consist of four rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Starting Thursday, January 8, those who finish in the top 20 and ties from round one will advance to Friday’s round two, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition. The top 20 players and any ties following round two will advance to the third day of competition, with scores reset once more. An intense two-day, 36-hole shootout will commence, and at Sunday’s conclusion, the top three finishers will earn three highly coveted spots in the LIV Golf League for 2026, as well as US$200,000 for first place, US$150,000 for second place, and US$100,000 for third place. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour. LIV Golf Promotions offers a total prize purse of US $1.5 million.

The current field features many standout names, including:

• Chris Wood (England): 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour winner
• Pablo Ereno (Spain): 2025 Palmer Cup player and former sixth-ranked player in World Amateur Golf Rankings
• Miguel Tabuena [main picture] (Philippines): Two-time Olympian and third-ranked player in 2025 International Series standings
• Christopher Wood (Australia): Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia
• Alex Levy (France): Five-time DP World Tour winner

LIV Golf League players without a 2026 team commitment who finished the season in the Open Zone (25th-48th), as well as relegated players (49th-54th), also have an opportunity to secure their playing rights for the 2026 season.

Several returning LIV Golf players are entered in the field, including Ben Campbell, who competed with RangeGoats GC and finished the season ranked 36th in the LIV Golf standings; Matt Jones, formerly of Ripper GC, who concluded the year in 40th place; and Anthony Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 6 who was a member of the victorious 2008 United States Ryder Cup team, finishing the season ranked 55th. Each will be competing to regain their League status for 2026.

Broadcast details for LIV Golf Promotions will be unveiled next week. For more information, including the list of eligibility criteria, visit LIVGolf.com.