Asian Tour Book 2024

THE INTERNATIONAL SERIES: TEN EVENTS TEN TIMES THE DRAMA T he contribution The International Series made to the Asian Tour and the game of golf in its region as a whole was once again enormous in 2024. The third edition of the series, which provides players with a pathway onto the world’s newest and most exciting sporting franchise, the LIV Golf League, reached new heights, attracted more attention and continued to establish itself as one of golf’s leading places to play for elite golfers. The series started in Muscat and ended in Riyadh, staged 10 events, visited nine countries and boasted total prizemoney of the US$23.5 million – with tournaments offering at least US$2million. As the upper-tier level of events on the Asian Tour, which staged 21 events in total in 2024, it helped shine a light on golf in Asia, and showcased its incredible depth in talent, diversity and youthfulness. Joaquin Niemann’s brilliant victory in the season-ending PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers provided us with a sensational finish to the year. The Chilean also succeeded American Andy Ogletree as The International Series Rankings champion, after the closest of finishes. American Peter Uihlein – the only two-timer winner on the series during the year – New Zealand’s Ben Campbell and John Catlin, the leader of the rankings for most of the year, all came close to taking top spot, finishing second, third and fourth respectively on the rankings, helping to make it an enthralling battle. From start to finish there was no let-up in the level of excitement and entertainment on The International Series in 2024. The season got underway in February with the International Series Oman, and the stunning Al Mouj Golf was a fitting location as Carlos Ortiz showcased his undoubted talent with a classy victory over a star-studded field on the Muscat coastline. The Mexican golfer, a member of the Torque GC team on LIV Golf, was in sensational form and held off a strong challenge from 2010 Open Championship winner and Stinger GC skipper Louis Oosthuizen. Ortiz rose to the occasion with a stunning seven-under-par 65 in the final round to finish on 19-under, four shots clear of the South African, with Torque GC skipper Joaquin Niemann a shot further behind – a result that would have major implications later in the season. The International Series Macau presented by Wynn at Macau Golf and Country Club was next up in March, and the new addition to the series delivered another firecracker of a tournament. In near-perfect scoring conditions, American Catlin made history on day three by posting a sensational round of 59, becoming the first player to break 60 on the Asian Tour. On the final day, rising star David Puig of Spain fired a 60 of his own, enough for the Fireballs GC star to force a play-off with Catlin. In a nail-biting finish, Catlin's composure under pressure saw him edge out Puig for the title. The International Series Morocco returned to the calendar in July and the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s Red Course in Rabat witnessed one of the most remarkable finishes of the season. Campbell staged an extraordinary fightback to claim the title, with an eagle-birdie finish to overcome a stunned Catlin, who had led from the opening round. The Kiwi showed incredible composure to claw his way back into contention and forced the play-off with an eagle on the par-four 17th and a birdie to tie Catlin on 15-under. Carrying that momentum into the sudden-death play-off, Campbell sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-five 18th to win on the first time of asking. The season continued with International Series England at Foxhills Club & Resort in August, where Uihlein delivered a devastating performance to tame the Longcross course. The RangeGoats GC star dominated the week, setting a new course Peter Uihlein [right] was the only two-time winner on The International Series in 2024. 16