CHIBA, Japan – Canadian top player Richard T. Lee, Filipino star Miguel Tabuena, and Australasian Tour No. 1 Travis Smyth will tee off at the International Series Japan from April 2-5 at the Caledonian Golf Club. Each of them is using these key stops on their 2026 schedule to build momentum, stay competitive, and seize opportunities on the Series.
Lee, a LIV Golf Wild Card player, leads the charge, fresh off an outstanding performance at Aramco LIV Golf Singapore. There, the Canadian narrowly missed out on victory in a playoff against two-time U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, Captain of Crushers GC. Despite the close defeat, the result has only boosted his confidence ahead of Japan. “It was a bit of a shame to finish second, but overall it was a really solid week,” said the 2024 BNI Indonesian Masters Champion. “I'm very happy with my game and hope to carry this form into this week and aim for my best result in Japan.”
Tabuena: The Path to Wild Card Status
For Tabuena, Japan marks a return to the Series that redefined his career. The Filipino star secured his full-time LIV Golf status and a Wild Card spot through consistent performances on The International Series in 2025, a breakthrough that continues to shape his outlook this season. “I feel very fortunate,” said Tabuena. “To get a full-time spot and compete against the best players in the world – that's where you want to be. I earned that through The International Series, which was my priority last year and will always be important to me.”
LIV Golf Wild Card player Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines at the Pro-Am event ahead of the International Series Japan at the Caledonian Golf Club. (Photo courtesy of the Asian Tour)
Even with a full LIV Golf League schedule, Tabuena relies on The International Series to stay sharp and maintain his competitive rhythm throughout the season. “I owe everything to The International Series, so I'll support it as much as I can,” added the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus winner. “After Mexico, I'll most likely play in Singapore, even if it's a long trip, especially with Open Qualifying spots available. But right now, the focus is on this week in Japan. I haven't had my best results here yet, so I hope to change that.”
Smyth, meanwhile, arrives as one of the most consistent and in-form players in the field. The Australasian Order of Merit winner has carried strong momentum into 2026, highlighted by a podium finish at the Philippine Golf Championship and a top-five result at the New Zealand Open. While balancing opportunities across various tours, the Australie
