Asian Tour Yearbook: 2023

in the illustrious footsteps of his elder brother Scott, the first player to take the pathway by winning the 2022 Order of Merit. Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The 2023 season showed what The International Series is all about: we had world-class talent from the LIV Golf League, some of the biggest names in world golf competing against the cream of the Asian Tour and players from all around the world who can see the clear pathway that we can offer. “The international Series Order of Merit now provides a genuine opportunity for players from around the world to play at world-class destinations and courses over the season, for the chance to earn their place on the LIV Golf Promotions event. “The 2023 season was indeed groundbreaking, and players on The International Series have real evidence of the opportunities that await, should they have a good season.” The US$2 million International Series Oman teed off the season in real style with a statement of intent, as a world-class field that included Koepka, Garcia, Oosthuizen and more assembled at the stunning Al Mouj Golf destination in Muscat. It was Japan’s Takumi Kanaya who emerged triumphant and claimed the US$ 360,000 winner’s cheque, finishing on 10 under, four shots ahead of Berry Henson of the US and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, with only 12 players under par after four days of drama. The Oman date was the first leg of a two-week Middle East swing, with the fieldmoving on to the US$2.5million international Series Qatar at the Doha Golf Club. American Ogletree underlined his strong credentials and laid down an early marker on his quest for the Order of Merit by securing a comfortable three-shot victory. Thai star Gunn Charoenkul was nearest challenger, with compatriots Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Phachara Khongwatmai also in the top five. The Series moved on to Thailand the following month, for another US$2 million prize pool, and evergreen Australian Wade Ormsby held his nerve when it mattered with a birdie putt on the play-off hole to see off home hope Chonlatit Chuenboonngam and secure victory. Chonlatit had pushed the Aussie all the way with a final-day 64 at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin to force the play-off, but it was Ormsby who claimed the spoils despite finding the bunker in the play-off hole. A month later, Zimbabwean Vincent showed his undoubted talent to hold off the challenge of LIV Golf star Anirban Lahiri and Kevin Yuan, securing his first ever tournament win in the International Series Vietnam, less than a year after turning 18 THE I NT ER NAT IONA L SER I E S : GOI NG FROM STR ENGTH TO STR ENGTH