Major winners decree the Asian Tour ‘the place to be’ as aspiring professionals eye no.1 spot

           

 

Recent Asian Tour Q-School Final winner Jack Thompson has continued to impress making the cut at the first International Series Oman, the first of 10 elevated tournaments on the Asian Tour in 2023.   The Australian has played in a field consisting of major champions Brooks Koepka and Charl Schwartzel, in just his second International Series event following last year’s England tournament at Slaley Hall.   Following his second round at Al Mouj Golf, Thompson said: “I got an invite last year in Newcastle and I didn’t play as well but I think it’s been great, good venues, fantastic hospitality and I really enjoyed it so hopefully looking forward to playing a few this year.”   With exemption into 2024’s LIV Golf League on the line for The International Series Order of Merit winner, the 25-year-old added: “Yeah it’s definitely in the back of my mind, I try not to look at things too far in the future but if I keep doing what I’m doing and it’s pretty cliche, just take each round and tournament as it comes and hopefully one day I can end up there.”

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka offered his thoughts on the opportunity provided by The International Series: “That’s the goal, having a pathway to go from wherever you are to the next step, and this does that.   “Giving opportunities is important to growing the game of golf and having that end goal of being able to join LIV is an amazing opportunity for Asian Tour players.”   The American played alongside Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, who has become a steadfast figure on The Asian Tour. Asked if playing in the LIV Golf League is a goal of his: “Yeah I hope so, I need to finish well in the Order of Merit this year to hopefully play on LIV next year. That is definitely the goal though.”   Another major-winner, South African Charl Schwartzel said: “I think having that pathway to LIV is going to be fantastic for the Asian Tour and it’ll create a lot of opportunities for up-and-coming players, it’s a great addition.”   The 2011 Master champion is upping his preparations ahead of the return of LIV Golf at the end of the month and added: “Yeah it gets us a few rounds in before we start again, and it gives us the opportunity to work on a few things.”   Thompson will be one of the 78 players that gets started in round three today as he looks to continue the battle against the conditions at Al Mouj Golf.