While the more high profile LIV events have attracted the bulk of the headlines, these International Series tournaments form an important part of the overall LIV strategy.
With better fields and bigger purses than the week-to-week Asian Tour events, these tournaments will likely provide a proving ground for future LIV players and will no doubt capture the interest of players worldwide looking for a pathway to the LIV Golf riches.
The winner of the International Series Order of Merit (separate to the Asian Tour Order of Merit) will earn a place in the 48 player LIV Golf League for 2023.
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Inaugural event.
COURSE: The Lotte Skyhill Country Club is owned by the sportswear and retail giant of the same name, the 36-hole facility is a regular stop for professional golf in this part of the world.
RIGHT: Nitithorn Thippong won last week’s International Series event in Singapore. PHOTO: Aitor Alcalde/LIV Golf/Getty Images.
Known as one of the more difficult courses in the country, the Robert Trent Jones II design provides a stern test for everyday players and a challenge for the pros.
The course itself is a mixed bag ranging from narrow tee shots hemmed in by trees to expansive areas with views across several holes.
The bunkering is penal and water is in play on several holes so players with control of their ball will have a definite advantage here.
Lotte Skyhill might best be described as typical of the style of golf found in Asia where there is as much energy devoted to presentation as the architectural features of the course.
It will look great on television and no doubt the competition will be interesting, but for those with a serious interest in course design there is less to be excited about.
PRIZE MONEY: US$1,500,000
PLAYERS TO WATCH: As expected, the larger purse and lure of a place in the 2023 48 player LIV Golf League has helped attract a strong field again this week.
As was the case last week in Singapore there are some interesting names on the invite list including several players who have already teed up in LIV Golf events.
Among them are former US Amateur champions Andy Ogletree, Peter Uihlein, Chase Koepka and the exciting rookie professional Turk Pettit.
Those names will add some interest to a field already boasting some of the region’s best players.
Wade Ormsby is one of the large Australian contingent teeing it up in Korea this week. PHOTO: Jonathan Ferrey/LIV Golf via Getty Images.
In terms of contending, Todd Sinnott’s name has been mentioned in dispatches in this space more than once in recent weeks and his play last week in Singapore sees him mentioned again.
A final round 64 was the equal best round of the day (matched, interestingly, by Turk Pettit) and will have the Victorian eager to get underway again this week.
Sinnott’s return from injury has followed a steady and encouraging trajectory and it seems certain to be only a matter of time before he breaks through on the international stage again.
Among the international Zimbabweans Scott Vincent leads the International Series Order of Merit and will be keen for that to remain the case.
The 30-year-old seems to have found a comfort zone this year and while he struggled after a brilliant opening round in Singapore that is more likely a blip than a pattern.
The Thai duo too Phachara Khongwatmai spirit Sadom Kaewkanjana have also been impressive this season with Khongwatmai just a shot behind the winner last week in Singapore.
Both will be familiar with the style of golf required in Korea and it will be no surprise if either or both are among the final groups come Sunday.
AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Todd Sinnott, Blake Windred, Travis Smyth, Wade Ormsby, Brett Rumford, Sam Brazel, Jake Higginbottom, Daniel Fox, Jason Norris, Kevin Yuan, Cory Crawford, Sam Brazel, Scott Strange, Ben Eccles and Kevin Lee
TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 505 2pm –6pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 505 2pm – 6pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 7pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 5pm)
*AEST, check local guides
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