A new wave of global and local stars is set to make its mark as The International Series returns next week at Caledonian Golf Club, with a group of notable first-time players ready to launch their 2026 campaigns in Japan.
With valuable early points on offer in The International Series Rankings, and a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League at stake, these newcomers arrive with momentum and ambition, each looking to make an immediate impact at the season opener.
Lucas Bjerregaard
The Danish star brings proven pedigree, with two European Tour titles at the Portugal Masters (2017) and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (2018). A former top-50 player in the world, Bjerregaard secured his place on the full 2026 International Series schedule after finishing top 10 at LIV Golf Promotions.
Having famously defeated Tiger Woods in at a match play in 2019, he now shifts his focus to new opportunities on The International Series.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about The International Series, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like.”
Takanori Konishi
Konishi returns to home soil for his International Series debut after earning his place via LIV Golf Promotions with a tied-eighth finish. The Japanese standout claimed the 2025 Maezawa Cup on the JGTO schedule, also held in Chiba, and will be eager to build on that success against a world-class field on home soil.
Christopher Wood
A two-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Christopher Wood secured his place on The International Series through the LIV Golf Promotions event. Encouraged by fellow Australian and current Australasia Order of Merit winner Travis Smyth, Wood arrives eager to experience the Series for the first time.
“To be honest, Japan is the one I’m looking forward to the most,” he said. “The opportunity to play in these International Series events is fantastic, but Japan really stands out. Speaking with Trav and the other Australians, they all said the tournaments are great, but Japan is something special. I’m looking forward to the course, the food, and experiencing the culture.”
Kaito Sato (a)
One of Japan’s brightest young prospects, Sato captured the 2025 Japan Amateur Championship and is the country’s leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
“I am honoured to play International Series Japan with world-class golfers in my home country,” he said. “I’m looking forward to competing again at Caledonian Golf Club, a course I played many times during my middle and high school years.
“Yosuke Asaji’s achievements have been a great source of inspiration for me. My goal is to succeed on the world stage, so I want to prepare myself to seize every opportunity.”
Oliver Bekker
The nine-time Sunshine Tour winner earned his International Series card through LIV Golf Promotions and recently featured as a reserve at LIV Golf South Africa. With an increasingly global schedule, Bekker views The International Series as a key platform moving forward.
“Playing The International Series is a big opportunity, and earning a card to compete across the season is a win for me.”
Pukhraj Singh Gill
Emerging Indian golfer Gill achieved his professional breakthrough with victory at the IGPL Jamshedpur, a win that propelled him to the 2025 IGPL Order of Merit title. He also claimed two National Junior Championships before turning professional and is regarded as one of the rising talents to watch at Caledonian Golf Club next week.
Tickets for all four days of International Series Japan are available here, with complimentary entry on Thursday and Friday, and free admission for children throughout the tournament.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments co-sanctioned by LIV Golf and the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
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