Rabat, Morocco – A revenge story kicked off the two-million-dollar International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco: Talented Thai star Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who had to settle for second behind Travis Smyth at the International Series Japan 2026, turned the tables on opening day. Pavit fired a bogey-free round of eight-under-par 65, taking a two-shot lead over Smyth, who shares second place with Younghan Song of the Korean Golf Club. The Korean, who also played a bogey-free 67, finished second at the International Series Japan 2025 and is seeking his first Asian Tour title.
Defending champion Scott Vincent, who has stepped in for HyFlyers GC in recent LIV Golf events, made a determined start to his campaign with a 70 (three-under-par). Among the various LIV Golf stars in the field, RangeGoats Golf Club Captain Bubba Watson carded a 69 (four-under-par), while Doyeob Mun of the Korean Golf Club is tied for 18th place with a 70.
Smyth has already won twice in 2026 – at the International Series Japan and at home on the PGA Tour of Australasia – and spent several successful weeks at LIV Golf, stepping in for the injured Paul Casey with Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC. “First of all, I love this golf course. It’s a place where I feel like I can play well, so I arrive with good vibes immediately,” said Smyth, who currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit. “I love the challenge of shaping the ball in both directions and hitting different trajectories. I enjoy moving the ball around and visualizing various shots, and this course really suits that style of play. With its tree-lined fairways, it forces you to be creative, which I enjoy. I think winning in Japan in 2026 took an enormous weight off my shoulders. Before that, I would come to the International Series events, knowing how important they were, and probably put a bit too much pressure on myself. I would try harder, perhaps not sleep as well, and feel a bit more stressed. Since that win and subsequently playing in Singapore and having great experiences with Crushers GC at LIV Golf, I feel much more relaxed. I’ve proven to myself that I can get the job done.” (Photo courtesy of Asian Tour)
