Peter Uihlein, the newly crowned champion of the International Series England, is riding high after a dominant performance at the Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey. He triumphed by an impressive seven strokes, securing his first Asian Tour win and his inaugural victory since joining the tour. Uihlein, who plays for RangeGoats GC in the LIV Golf League, believes the International Series is a valuable stepping stone to the elite level.
He praised the Asian Tour’s high-caliber event setups, which test a player’s skill under intense pressure. Having already competed in similar events in Oman and Morocco earlier this season, Uihlein has his sights set on three more significant tournaments: the Black Mountain Championship in Thailand, the Hong Kong Open, and the PIF Saudi International.
Uihlein’s victory wasn’t just about the win; it was about the way he achieved it. He captured attention with a spectacular 10-under 61 in the second round, setting a new course record and mounting a significant comeback. On the final day, he delivered another remarkable round, scoring an eight-under 63 to secure the title.
Uihlein sees these tournaments as crucial opportunities for LIV Golf League players to gain experience and collect ranking points. He emphasized the importance of competition and pressure in honing one’s skills, stating, “It is not something I would know, being at home practicing. Having competition, getting some pressure under you and trying to execute under the pressure is what this is all about.”
The International Series also provides a platform for emerging talent like Caleb Surratt, a 20-year-old who marked his second consecutive top-three finish in the series. Surratt, who turned pro at the beginning of the season to join the LIV Golf League, impressed with a three-under 68. He shared second place with Andy Sullivan after a missed putt on the final hole, but his performance was enough to earn praise from Uihlein.
Uihlein believes the series is vital for LIV Golf League players to gain extra exposure and match experience. The International Series attracts major winners like Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, as well as emerging talents like David Puig and Eugenio Chacarra. Veterans like Andy Ogletree, Adam Scott, and Kieran Vincent have also leveraged their success in these tournaments to secure spots in the LIV Golf League, demonstrating the series’ role as a crucial stepping-stone within the Asian Tour.
Caleb Surratt also expressed his satisfaction with the event, appreciating the blend of elite competition and valuable playing time. He particularly enjoys the opportunity to travel and gain international experience, stating, “I love The International Series. It’s rare for a player to have the chance to compete on a tour that operates at such a high level. Plus, it’s great to have the opportunity to travel more as a young player.”
Uihlein’s victory catapulted him to third in the International Series Rankings, while Surratt climbed to fifth. The series continues with the Black Mountain Championship in Thailand, marking the start of six events over eight weeks. This intense period will be crucial in determining the ultimate rankings leader and the recipient of the coveted LIV Golf slot.
