The International Series confirms historic first date in Japan  01:14, 12/03/2025

The US$2million tournament marks LIV Golf’s debut in Japan via The International Series and is scheduled to take place from 8-11 May at the Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, the week after LIV Golf Korea in Incheon.

A 156-man field will comprise a strong Asian Tour contingent, Japanese players and golfers from around the world trying to earn a lucrative place on the LIV Golf League next season, as well as established names from LIV Golf, demonstrating the significance of Japan as a destination in the global golf landscape.

4Aces GC player Harold Varner III is one of the LIV Golf stars already confirmed for Caledonian Golf Club.

The 2023 LIV Golf Washington DC champion and winner of the 2022 PIF Saudi International said: “The International Series offers great opportunities to LIV golfers to compete in some incredible golf destinations beyond LIV Golf League events. Japan is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, so I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to tee it up.”

Lucas Herbert, the Ripper GC star who finished third in last season’s International Series Macau presented by Wynn said: “As an Australian, I love playing events in Asia, and The International Series provides a lot of opportunity to play in different territories in the region. Japan is going to be incredible and I’m looking forward to the experience both on and off the course.”

International Series Japan will be the third of 10 LIV Golf-backed events on the 2025 Asian Tour calendar, and all three of the opening events emphasise the important space that The International Series has created on the global golf scene, as it takes the game to the next level in different territories.

The brand-new International Series India presented by DLF kicked off the fourth season of The International Series from 30 January to 2 February, with record crowds attending DLF Golf and Country Club.

The high-profile event brought a diverse audience, ranging from golf fans to families, to experience four days of world-class golf with some of the biggest names in the game, and top-class entertainment off the course.

The second edition of International Series Macau presented by Wynn, from 20-23 March, will provide a direct pathway onto golf’s oldest major after being named as part of The Open Qualifying Series. The second edition of the event will provide three places in the field for The 153^rd Open, the fourth major of the 2025 season, at Royal Portrush in July. 

Ross Hallett, EVP Head of Events, LIV Golf, said: “Japan is one of the most dynamic golf markets in the world and International Series Japan will be a true milestone, marking our first event in this exciting new territory and a significant step for the LIV Golf ecosystem.

“This historic debut in Japan showcases our commitment to expanding the reach of LIV Golf and The International Series and offering top-tier golf to new audiences. The 2025 calendar is shaping up to be a thrilling mix of new and established markets, and Japan’s inclusion is a key highlight of that global expansion.”

The tournament marks the Asian Tour’s return to Japan for the first time since 2022.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour added: “We are excited about our return to Japan and delighted to welcome Japan as a new destination on The International Series.

“There is no doubt that Japan plays a key role in the global golf ecosystem, and we are confident that this new event will not only exhibit world class golf in front of Japanese fans, but also showcase Japan to our global audience.

“We are extremely pleased to see The International Series growing and helping expand the Tour’s reach, offering opportunities to showcase world-class golf across Asia and beyond.”

For more information on The International Series, please visit: www.internationalseries.com.

About The International Series 

First introduced through a landmark investment with LIV Golf in the 2022 season, The International Series is a set of 10 enhanced events on the Asian Tour schedule which offers elevated prize funds, world-class destinations, and a pathway to the LIV Golf League for golfers from all over the globe.

Now in its fourth year, The International Series has been held in locations across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East in a mix of established and emerging golf markets.

The 2025 schedule covers India, Macau, Morocco, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia with more destinations to be revealed.

Over the past three seasons, events have also taken place in China, England, Scotland, Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Thailand, Egypt and Vietnam.

For more information on The International Series, please visit: www.internationalseries.com

About the Asian Tour 

The Asian Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. The Tour is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.

The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.

In 2022, The International Series was created – thanks to an exciting new partnership with LIV Golf – which saw the introduction of 10 elevated events to the Asian Tour schedule that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

The Tour controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which delivers live coverage to more than one billion households worldwide.

The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour providing a pathway for the leading players to the Asian Tour.

The Asian Tour eco-system also includes the Qualifying School which attracts over 650 entrants vying for 35 cards on the Asian Tour for the following season.

In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations – an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.

The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award winning Sentosa Golf Club – a member of Asian Tour Destinations.