KIERAN VINCENT JOINS BROTHER SCOTT IN LIV GOLF AFTER PROMOTIONS PLAYOFF
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Kieran Vincent hit all the shots and put in all the hard yards, but as he secured one of three life-changing cards to the 2024 LIV Golf season, he acknowledged the massive contribution of brother Scott in making his dreams turn into reality.
The 26-year-old Zimbabwean, a graduate of Liberty University in Virginia, held his nerves in a grueling playoff after he tied for second place in LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi alongside Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma and England’s Laurie Canter.
Scott, elder by five years, has been Kieran’s biggest supporter and a believer in his abilities. Earlier this year, without Kieran’s knowledge, he paid for his brother’s membership on the Asian Tour.
Kieran, who turned professional 18 months ago, repaid that trust when he won the International Series Vietnam in April and worked his way into the second round of the Promotions.
Iron Heads GC star Scott then ‘loaned’ Kieran his regular caddie, the experienced Jacob Flech, for this crucial week, and the two combined well.
In Saturday’s second round, Kieran comfortably qualified for the 36-hole Sunday with a bogey-free five-under 67, before totaling seven-under par for the two rounds and then prevailing in the playoff.
“Obviously, I am excited to play with my brother next year. It’s going to be awesome,” said an emotional Kieran after the playoff finished under lights at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I don’t think the tears are doing it justice. Watching my brother the whole year, and seeing how life-changing it can be, I hope this propels my career to a whole new level. I am going on a tour where you can learn so much from so many cool guys. And with Jon Rahm recently signed, it really doesn’t get much better than that.”
Kieran paid tribute to Scott and his family for backing him all the time.
“My brother, and the rest of my family, have just been huge role models for me. Without them, without my brother doing the things that he did, I wouldn’t be standing here… wouldn’t be anywhere close. I don’t know what I would be doing right now,” said Kieran.
“Just to have him pave the way and see what golf is really like and see how you can take it to great lengths with your hard work. He’s probably one of the hardest-working players you’ll ever meet.
“That was all instilled in him from my family. So, credit to them and credit to the support system that I had around me. Yes, he’s huge, but there are a lot of other people that have made the same contribution if not more.”
Flech, who was by Scott’s side during his stunning charge into the Lock Zone (top-24 in the Order of Merit) of LIV Golf’s 2023 season, was impressed by Kieran’s show over the weekend.
“Kieran played unbelievable golf. From tee to green, he hit every shot that was needed. On the greens, he made every putt he needed to make,” said Flech.
“He showed a lot of resilience out there. Every time he faced adversity, his energy didn’t change and he was able to accept it and stayed in the present. He did a phenomenal job and I’m just very grateful to be a part of it.”
Flech will be back on Scott’s bag for the 2024 LIV Golf season, even though Kieran joked that he has adopted him after this week.
“They are both phenomenal golfers. More importantly, they are two great people to be around. I’m going to caddy for Scott next year and that’s all I know,” said Flech.
Kieran will start his LIV Golf season in Mayakoba in the first week of February.
2024 INTERNATIONAL SERIES EXEMPTIONS
Players who finished 4th through 10th on the final LIV Golf Promotions leaderboard will receive full exemption for all 2024 events on The International Series, a set of elevated tournaments supported by LIV Golf and sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Players earning exemptions include:
Laurie Canter, England
Jaco Ahlers, South Africa
Zach Bauchou, USA
Poom Saksansin, Thailand
Kevin Chappell, USA
Martin Trainer, France
Suradit Yongcharoenchai, Thailand