Former HyFlyers GC member James Piot is making a move up the leaderboard at the Link Hong Kong Open, as he continues his pursuit of what he calls the “golden ticket” - a direct pathway back into the LIV Golf League through standout performances on The International Series.
The 27-year-old American posted a second successive five-under-par round and moved to 12-under after three rounds at Hong Kong Golf Club, eight behind leader Tom McKibbin of Legion XIII on the LIV Golf League.
Following on from a rollercoaster second round that included a hole-in-one, an eagle sandwiched by a triple bogey and a bogey plus five birdies, Piot carded six birdies and one dropped shot on moving day.
Piot has been a consistent presence on The International Series this season, competing in six events and embracing the challenge of world-class fields. For him, these tournaments are more than just stops on the schedule — they’re a proving ground for his game.
“Definitely playing on The International Series helps with everything golf-related,” Piot explained. “The fields are strong, especially weeks like this with the LIV Golf guys. I had a third and fourth- place finish earlier this year, and these experiences (on The International Series) were really valuable.”
Beyond the competition, Piot values the quality and atmosphere that make these events stand out.
“It’s a great tour - the prize money is strong, and the tournaments are really well run. For players like me traveling all the way from the U.S., it makes the trip worthwhile because everything’s done at a high level: great courses, great fields, and great crowds.”
The International Series pathway to LIV Golf remains one of the sport’s most coveted opportunities — a golden ticket for the season’s Rankings champion.
“Having that golden ticket up for grabs - anyone can take it - is great motivation,” Piot said. “It pushes you to play your best and chase that opportunity.”
A former U.S. Amateur Champion and major championship competitor, Piot’s journey has taken him from Oakmont to Augusta, and now across Asia in pursuit of his next big break. After overcoming shoulder surgery last year, he’s rediscovered his rhythm in 2025 and is determined to finish strong.
“The goal every week is to try to win - that never changes,” he said. “I’m finally feeling good about my game, and this series gives me the perfect stage to prove it.”
The stakes are even higher with Major championship exemptions on the line this week in Hong Kong, the seventh of nine elevated events across the Asian Tour calendar.
“It’s really special to have that opportunity,” Piot said. “Playing your way into a Major, especially The Masters, is huge. I played there a few years ago, and it’s one of the best memories of my career. To have that chance again adds even more motivation.”
Piot’s determination is also fueled by camaraderie with fellow American players such as Andy Ogletree and Ollie Schniederjans, both winners on The International Series. Ogletree progressed to HyFlyers GC after winning The International Series Rankings and claiming three titles in two seasons, while Schniederjans won against a star-studded field in India at the start of the season.
“I’ve been buddies with Andy for a long time and got to know Ollie better this year,” Piot shared. “It’s great seeing more American guys coming over, hungry to win and make it onto LIV. The competition is getting stronger every week.”
Playing alongside Piot today was Harold Varner III, a member of HyFlyers GC, who has enjoyed a strong LIV Golf season with two top-five finishes in Dallas and Chicago and two additional top-10s in Adelaide and Miami.
Varner carded a four-under-par round to move to 11-under after three rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open. Reflecting on his day, he said: “It was fun. I played with James, who’s a good friend of mine, and he beat me today. Definitely didn’t let him, he earned it! We had a great time out there.”
The 35-year-old also spoke about his experience on The International Series: “I’ve only played a handful, but I really enjoy them. I played in India earlier this year to get ready for a tournament- it was my first time there, and I loved the experience. I’ve also played both Hong Kong events and one in England at Foxhills, where I played really well. I love traveling and seeing new places. Just need to play a little better!”
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.
