With just two events left on The International Series schedule, Thailand’s leading stars are gearing up for a crucial week at the Moutai Singapore Open, where valuable ranking points — and potential golden tickets to the LIV Golf League — are on the line.
For the first time, two players from The International Series Rankings will qualify directly for the 2026 LIV Golf League, while those finishing inside the top 40 will earn a place in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida early next year, where another two golden tickets will be up for grabs.
Among those fighting to be in contention are three of Thailand’s most recognizable names, Jazz Janewattananond, Nitithorn Thippong and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, each at different stages of their ranking race and each with everything to play for.
A former Singapore Open and International Series Morocco champion, Jazz returns to familiar territory as he looks to rediscover the form that saw him capture multiple titles across Asia.
Currently sitting 29th on The International Series Rankings, Jazz is chasing a top-20 finish that could grant him a bye into Round One of the LIV Golf Promotions event. His season has included several solid showings, with a runner-up finish at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open and a top-four result at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
The seven-time Asian Tour winner was one off the lead after a blistering nine-under 61 at last week’s Link Hong Kong Open, and although he ultimately settled for 12th, he was encouraged by the performance.
“It’s definitely good news that there are now more opportunities to get into LIV,” Jazz said. “My ranking is still a bit far off - I’m more in the position of chasing than being chased. I’m just hoping for a big week that can help me jump up.
“There were some sparks in my game last week, especially in the first couple of rounds. Golf’s a fine-margin game, and you’ve got to be right at the top of it if you want to win,” he added.
The 2019 Singapore Open champion, Jazz played down any advantage as he has never played the New Course at Singapore Island Country Club.
“It’s a very different setup from where I won before, but that’s part of the challenge," he said. “It looks like a course that rewards all-around play - hopefully that suits me.”
Known for his fearless play and nickname “Fever,” Nitithorn is hoping to turn things around this season in a country that has brought rich rewards in the past. The 2022 International Series Singapore champion is still outside the top 50 on the rankings, but hoping to mount a strong charge this week.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity,” the 26-year-old said about the expanded LIV Golf pathway. “My game hasn’t really been going my way lately, and I’ve been struggling with confidence. But in golf, one good week can change everything. Having two spots available makes it even more exciting - it gives us more motivation.”
After a mixed season highlighted by a hole-in-one in Morocco and a T23 finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, Fever has been working as much on his mindset as his mechanics.
“Earlier this year I didn’t play well for quite some time, and it really affected my confidence,” he shared. “But after Morocco, we had a good break, and I used that time to practice and figure things out. My game on the range is strong - it’s just about bringing that same rhythm into tournaments.”
With the Moutai Singapore Open marking one of his last opportunities to climb the rankings, one of Thailand’s most experienced campaigners, Pavit is hitting his stride at the right moment.
A string of consistent performances — including a third-place finish at the Jakarta International Championship, T30 at the International Series Philippines, and T9 at the Link Hong Kong Open — has lifted him to 19th on the rankings and within reach of an exemption into the second round of the LIV Promotions event.
“I’ve been struggling with my irons for a while, but I stayed patient and trusted my short game,” Pavit explained after a strong finish in Hong Kong. “The turning point came on the 13th hole — I finally started hitting my irons the way I wanted, and from there, everything just clicked.”
Now looking ahead to Singapore, Pavit feels his game is peaking at the perfect time.
“My putting has been incredible all week, around 25 or 26 putts each round. If I can get my driver and irons going the same way, I believe I can get up there and contend,” he said.
A multiple winner on the Asian Tour and no stranger to the Singapore Island Country Club, Pavit knows the course - and the stakes - well.
“I’ve played it many times, even since my junior days,” he added. “It’s been renovated since then, so it’ll feel completely new. But I’m confident in my game.”
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.
