2026 New Player Analysis: Yosuke Asaji

Yosuke Asaji claimed the second of two LIV Golf promotion spots offered through The International Series Rankings. The Japanese golfer entered the PIF Saudi International, the ninth and final event of the International Series, in a strong position and secured his place by finishing with 285.30 points, second only to Scott Vincent among eligible players.

RELATED: 2026 New Player Analysis on Scott Vincent

PLAYER BIO

Age: 32
Nationality: Japanese
Data Golf Ranking: Not ranked
Career Wins: 7 (4 Japan Tour, 2 Asian Tour, 1 Japan Challenge Tour).
Career Highlights: Became the first Japanese player in 49 years to win the Singapore Open in 2025. Won The Crowns on the Japan Golf Tour in May 2025.
Best Major Finish: Asaji has played in two major championships: The 2019 Open Championship (T67) and the 2021 U.S. Open (MC).
2025 Results: Won the Moutai Singapore Open and The Crowns (JGTO); recorded seven top-20 finishes across the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour, including a T2 at The International Series Philippines and T2 at the Kansai Open Golf Championship (JGTO).

2025 ASIAN TOUR STATISTICS

Strokes Average: 70.53
Driving Distance: 288.58 yards
Average Birdies Per Round: 3.75
Greens In Regulation (GIR) Percentage: 64.85%
Driving Accuracy Percentage: 63.31%
Sand Saves Percentage: 67.77%
Lowest 18-Hole Score: 65

STATISTICAL PROFILE

Asaji’s game is built on driving accuracy and short game rather than power. He is a solid ball-striker but is short off the tee compared to the majority of the LIV Golf roster. His putting was the key to his 2025 victories, including needing only 27 putts in the final round of the Singapore Open. He is also fantastic around the green and from the sand.

Statistical lookalike: Ben Campbell

INTERESTING FACTS

Asaji became the first Japanese player to win the Singapore Open since Kesahiko Uchida in 1976.

His victory at The Crowns in May 2025 was his fourth on the Japan Golf Tour.

He’s has been successful in high-pressure situations, having won both the 2025 Singapore Open and the 2019 ANA Open in sudden-death playoffs.

He was raised by a single mother, a fact that profoundly shaped his commitment to golf. He has repeatedly expressed his deep appreciation for her support, once stating that a tournament victory was "worth the present of a lifetime" for her.

After turning professional in 2011, he struggled severely. In a low moment, he told his mother he wanted to quit golf and had succumbed to alcohol use. His mother responded with "harsh but warm loving words," essentially telling him that a "weak person" like him wouldn't be able to work anywhere else. These words motivated him to turn his life and career around.

His best friend is current Iron Heads GC player Jinichiro Kozuma.

He got married in August 2018. His wife and mother often followed him inside the ropes to cheer him on during his early victories. He became a father for the first time in December 2019.

BOTTOM LINE

Yosuke Asaji’s journey to the LIV Golf League is a testament to his success and sustained consistency on the Asian and Japan Tours. While he lacks the power to compete with the longest hitters in the league, his short game should help keep him competitive on shorter courses. However, like former players promoted from the Asian Tour, Asaji will face a steep learning curve against the world-class field and will need to quickly adapt to the different course setups and strong fields of LIV Golf.