LIV Golf’s newest stars and Australasia No. 1 headline Japan showdown

CHIBA, Japan - Canadian standout Richard T. Lee, Philippine star Miguel Tabuena and Australasia Tour No. 1 Travis Smyth are set to tee it up at International Series Japan from 2–5 April at Caledonian Golf Club, each carving out key stops on their 2026 schedule to build momentum, stay competitive and seize opportunities on the Series. 

Lee, a Wild Card player on LIV Golf, leads the charge fresh off a breakthrough performance at Aramco LIV Golf Singapore, where the Canadian narrowly missed out on victory in a playoff against two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, captain of Crushers GC. Despite the near miss, the result has only strengthened his confidence heading into Japan. 

“It was a bit unfortunate to finish second, but overall, it was a really solid week,” said the 2024 BNI Indonesian Masters champion. “I’m very pleased with how I played, and hopefully I can bring that form into this week and aim for my best result in Japan.” 

For Tabuena, Japan marks a return to the Series that helped redefine his career. The Filipino star secured his full-time LIV Golf status and a Wild Card spot through consistent performances across The International Series in 2025, a breakthrough that continues to shape his outlook this season. 

“I feel very fortunate,” said Tabuena. “To earn a full-time spot and compete against the best players in the world is where you want to be. I earned that through The International Series, which was my priority last year, and it will always be important to me.”

Even with a full LIV Golf League schedule, Tabuena leans on The International Series to stay sharp and keep his competitive rhythm throughout the season. 

“I owe everything to The International Series, so I’ll support it as much as I can,” International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus winner added. “After Mexico, I’ll most likely play in Singapore, even though it’s a long trip, especially with The Open qualifying spots available. But right now, the focus is this week in Japan. I haven’t had my best results here before, so hopefully I can change that.” 

Smyth, meanwhile, arrives as one of the most consistent and in-form players in the field. The Australasia Order of Merit winner has carried strong momentum into 2026, highlighted by a podium finish at the Philippine Golf Championship and a top five result at the New Zealand Open. 

As he balances opportunities across tours, the Australian remains firmly committed to The International Series, and the pathway it offers. 

“I’m still very focused on The International Series,” said Smyth. “My priority is to perform well in these events, and ultimately my main goal is to earn a spot on LIV Golf.” 

Tickets for all four days of International Series Japan, set at Caledonian Golf Club from 2 – 5 April, are now available here, with complimentary entry on Thursday and Friday, and free admission for children throughout the tournament. 

(Photo: LIV Golf Wild Card player Richard T Lee of Canada, Kazuki Higa of Japan, LIV Golf Wild Card player Yosuke Asaji of Japan, and Travis Smyth of Australia pictured during the press conference ahead of International Series Japan at Caledonian Golf Club. Courtesy of Asian Tour.)