Several LIV golfers to play in brand-new tour event

A host of players from the LIV Golf league have committed to play in a brand-new tour event.

The inaugural International Series Japan event will take place from May 8–11 at Caledonian Golf Club, in Chiba, as part of the Asian Tour circuit.

There is, of course, no LIV tournament that week, with the Saudi-backed league taking an almost month-long break after a first trip to South Korea.

And taking the short journey east will be the likes of Peter Uihlein, a two-time International Series winner in 2024, Caleb Surratt, and Mito Pereira.

Joining them in the lineup is Frederik Kjettrup, Sam Horsfield, Lucas Herbert, Harold Varner III, and Jinichiro Kozuma.

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“This is one of the most competitive fields we’ve assembled, featuring standout talent from across the LIV Golf League and the Asian Tour,” said Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series.

“The addition of so many proven international winners adds a new level of anticipation to what’s already shaping up to be a huge week for golf in Japan.”

It’s the third International Series event of the new season, following stops in Macau and India, in January and March, respectively.

Bryson DeChambeau was denied by LIV reserve Ollie Schniederjans in India before current LIV golfer Carlos Ortiz won in Macau.

While there is no player of DeChambeau’s pedigree in the latest tournament, there is set to be a strong home contingent.

Headlined by Ryo Ishikawa, who was the youngest-ever winner of a Japan Golf Tour event aged 15, the field is boosted by a handful of rising stars.

Ishikawa, 33, will make his debut on the International Series after lifting 21 titles on his native tour.

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“The local challenge is set to be incredibly strong at International Series Japan – and that’s a huge win for Japanese golf fans,” added Singh.

“We’re proud to bring world-class golf to one of Asia’s most passionate markets.

“This event offers a compelling mix of international stars, rising local talent, and some of the finest players from across the Asian Tour.

“With a coveted LIV Golf League spot on the line at the end of the season, every shot matters and the competition will be fierce.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.