Ishikawa added to field with LIV Golf stars at International Series Japan

CHIBA, Japan – Japanese sensation Ryo Ishikawa will lead a strong local challenge playing alongside big names from the LIV Golf League and the Asian Tour when International Series Japan takes place at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, from May 8-11.

Ishikawa, 33, has enjoyed an illustrious career on the Japan Golf Tour with 21 wins under his belt, and will be making his debut on The International Series.

At just 15 years and 8 months old, Ishikawa made history as the youngest-ever winner of a men’s regular event on the Japan Golf Tour, capturing the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup.

He will be joined by a strong line-up from Japan in the 156-man field, the third of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar this season that offer a direct pathway onto the LIV Golf League for The International Series Rankings champion.

The Japanese contingent will be further enhanced by the presence of former World No.1 amateur Taiga Semikawa and 2024 Japan PGA Championship winner Yuta Sugiura.

Semikawa made history in 2022 by becoming the first amateur in 95 years to win the Japan Open – part of a remarkable season that also included victories at the Panasonic Open and the Japan Create Challenge. His standout performances earned him the top spot in the world amateur rankings before turning professional later that year. Since then, he has added titles at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup and the Kansai Open Golf Championship to his name.

Sugiura is another notable name as he claimed an impressive victory at the prestigious Dunlop Phoenix Tournament as an amateur in 2023 before going on to claim the title at the 2024 Japan PGA Championship.

Hana Bank Invitational 2024 champion Takashi Ogiso from Japan, and compatriot Ren Yonezawa, who won The Crowns and the Yokohama Minato Championship in a superb three-month spell in 2024, are also confirmed alongside other notable countrymen including Naoyuki Kataoka and Taihei Sato in a strong local showing.

Ten-time champion Shugo Imahira and Japan’s only LIV Golf League representative, Jinichiro Kozuma of Iron Heads GC, are already confirmed alongside Harold Varner III of 4Aces GC, Lucas Herbert of Ripper GC and Asian Tour rising star Taichi Kho, the 2023 World City Championship winner.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The local challenge is set to be incredibly strong at International Series Japan – and that’s a huge win for Japanese golf fans. We’re proud to bring world-class golf to one of Asia’s most passionate markets.

"This event offers a compelling mix of international stars, rising local talent, and some of the finest players from across the Asian Tour. With a coveted LIV Golf League spot on the line at the end of the season, every shot matters and the competition will be fierce.”

International Series Japan takes place at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba from May 8-11 and tickets for the tournament are available from April 23. Secure your tickets by clicking here.

(Photo courtesy of Korean PGA Tour)