LIV Golf push builds for Smyth, who storms to International Series Rankings lead

CHIBA, Japan - Travis Smyth has turned a long-held goal into immediate action with his breakthrough victory at International Series Japan. The win has propelled the Australian straight to the top of The International Series Rankings, adding real momentum to his push back towards the LIV Golf League.

The 31-year-old delivered a composed and clinical performance at Caledonian Golf Club to secure his maiden title on the Series, earning 180 points and taking an early lead in the season-long Rankings race, which offers a direct pathway to LIV Golf. 

Smyth’s connection with the League dates back to its inaugural season in 2022, when he featured in multiple LIV Golf Invitational events after finishing runner-up at International Series England. The experience left a lasting impression, and a clear target. 

“Ever since I got a taste of the LIV Golf League, I’ve wanted to get back there,” he said. “That’s always at the back of my mind, when I wake up and when I go to bed. I want to finish the season as strongly as I can and give myself the best chance to get back to where I feel I belong.” 

He added: “I played a few events in that first season and absolutely loved it. The idea of being based in Australia, travelling the world, and competing in LIV events alongside The International Series, that’s a pretty great life. It’s something I’m working towards.” 

The victory builds on his recent triumph at the Japan–Australasia Championship, where he edged a tight race to secure the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title. With momentum firmly on his side, Smyth remains focused on maintaining consistency rather than getting ahead of himself. 

“As cliché as it sounds, it’s about sticking to what I’ve been doing,” he said. “Coming off a win, it’s not always easy mentally, you’re a bit drained and expectations are high. I’ll take a few days off, then get back into preparation for Singapore. It’s about getting into a routine again and just repeating the process.” 

After years of knocking on the door, seeking a second Asian Tour title since his Yeangder TPC win in 2022 and a first on The International Series, Smyth’s game has clearly evolved and matured to reach this stage. 

“I’ve had a lot of good results, top fives, top 10s, and I’d still consider that success. But winning is different. It takes something extra mentally, and I feel like I’ve started to unlock that,” he said. 

“At the start of this week, I actually wasn’t playing well. I had a poor prep and even early in the first round I was over par. But I stayed patient, kept believing, and trusted that the good shots would come. That’s been the biggest difference, handling those uncomfortable moments better.” 

Behind Smyth in the Rankings, Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita sit tied for second on 86.5 points after their runner-up finishes in Chiba. American Austen Truslow is fourth with 50 points, while India’s rising talent Karandeep Kochhar is close behind in fifth on 37.15, rounding out a tightly contested early leaderboard. 

Top image: Travis Smyth celebrates after winning International Series Japan on April 5 of 2026. (Photo courtesy of Graeme McCubbin/International Series/LIV Golf)