"It takes a village to raise a child," as the old saying goes. It takes almost as many to support a pro golfer in the modern era, and American Austen Truslow is leaving no stone unturned as he seeks a first pro win on The International Series.
The 29-year-old has had some strong finishes on the elevated Asian Tour events this season - sixth place in Morocco, T9 in the Philippines and T12 at the Link Hong Kong Open - and that form is building up some good momentum and confidence going into this week's Moutai Singapore Open.
Currently sitting 28th on The International Series Rankings, Truslow is well placed at the very least for the LIV Golf Promotions event in January, when 25 of the top 40 will qualify for a first-round place, and a shot at two golden tickets to the big time.
But he could move into the top 20, and a potential first-round bye, with a decent result this week in Singapore.
Explaining his good form - and his preparation work for every tournament week - it is clear Truslow is leaving no stone unturned as he considers everything from course strategy to unlocking the mental side of his game.
He said: “I consult with Nick O'Hern, who used to play on the PGA Tour from Australia. He is someone I check in with about course strategy and mental mindset, for some feedback and perspective from his tour experience. I also talk with John Weir (the developer of the Mental Golf Type programme), and I also speak with Mike Bender (acclaimed American coach). So I think creating a team has also been a big part of it.
"I have a check-in with Nick every tournament, actually I talk to him every week, and I have been working with Mike for 15 years on my swing. So if something is off, I always reach out to him. I talk to John a decent amount too.”
There are other parts of Truslow’s extended team that offer real support. From caddie and pro golfer Julian Hood, through to an international community that supports on ground and remotely, it is enough to encourage the former Korn Ferry Tour player to keep following his dream.
Truslow said: "I think adding a consistent caddy has been a big one for me this year. Last year, I swapped a lot of local caddies, but I decided that if I am doing this full time, I need to invest in myself, and I think creating the team has helped. The results have improved. I like having feedback from other people and understand that I can always learn from others.”
He added: "We also have a Bible study out here on the Asian tour with a lot of people from all over the world and that's helpful. We usually hold that on Monday or Tuesday. It is a nice community out here, with players such as Scott Vincent, Jaco Ahlers and others. It is special.
“The last thing I would say is, I have a great girlfriend. She came to Singapore during my off week three weeks ago, and she is very supportive - she makes it easier for me to be out here, she is an important part of the team.”
Still searching for that elusive first pro win of his career, the six foot five golfer has gained extensive experience along the way, having made it into the US Open through a demanding qualifying system for the past two years, and competed every single year in local qualifying since the age of 15.
Truslow, who famously chips one-handed during tournament play, is hoping to use that experience in his search for a place on the LIV Golf Promotions event this year, which will be offering two golden tickets to the League for the 2026 season.
On his chances of winning the Moutai Singapore Open this week and getting in contention for the LIV Golf spots which go to the top two exempt players on the Rankings race, he said: “I have never won a world ranked golf tournament, so it would be an amazing time to win one now!
“I would love nothing more in the world than to play on LIV Golf - that would be the greatest thing, as a golfer. But I am just trying to look at each week as one plus one equals two. If you put in the work and have the right mindset, and stay disciplined, you will get the results over time."
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
