International Series Japan 2026: Six Indians In The Field Led By Bhullar

Six Indian golfers will tee off at the International Series Japan, the 2026 season opener. The US$ 2 million event starts on 2 April at Caledonian Golf Club, Chiba. The field has 156 players. The event date line reads Chiba, Japan, 1 April 2026.

India’s challenge will be led by 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar and in-form Karandeep Kochhar. Veteran stars Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa return, both past Asian Tour Order of Merit winners. SSP Chawrasia and youngster Shaurya Bhattacharya complete the six-player Indian group.

The International Series Japan will also feature Canadian Richard T. Lee, Philippine star Miguel Tabuena and Australasia Tour No. 1 Travis Smyth. Several Asian Tour Order of Merit winners will play, underlining the depth. The event opens the new International Series season in Asia.

The field includes Kazuki Higa, John Catlin, Andy Ogletree, Sihwan Kim and Jazz Janewattananond. Scott Hend and Kiradech Aphibarnrat also feature. Singh and Randhawa join them as past Order of Merit winners. They bring past season titles from 2002 through 2025.

Richard T. Lee arrives after a strong week at Aramco LIV Golf Singapore. He lost a playoff to Bryson DeChambeau but gained belief. The 2024 BNI Indonesian Masters champion said, “It was a bit unfortunate to finish second, but overall, it was a really solid week.”

Lee added, “I'm very pleased with how I played, and hopefully I can bring that form into this week and aim for my best result in Japan.” His recent result places him among the clear favourites in Chiba.

For Miguel Tabuena, Japan signals a return to the series that lifted his career. He earned full-time LIV Golf status through consistent International Series results in 2025. “I feel very fortunate,” said Tabuena, reflecting on his progress and schedule.

Tabuena said, “To earn a full-time spot and compete against the best players in the world is where you want to be. I earned that through The International Series, which was my priority last year, and it will always be important to me.”

He credits the circuit for his growth. “I owe everything to The International Series, so I'll support it as much as I can,” the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus winner said. He plans to play in Singapore after Mexico, with The Open spots in mind.

Travis Smyth enters as one of the most consistent players this year. The Australasia Order of Merit winner had a podium at the Philippine Golf Championship and a top five at the New Zealand Open. His 2026 form underlines his status in this field.

Smyth said his focus remains clear. “I'm still very focused on The International Series,” he stated. “My priority is to perform well in these events, and ultimately my main goal is to earn a spot on LIV Golf,” Smyth said.