South African golfer Jbe Kruger admits that a spot in the LIV Golf League is on the mind of every player who lines up in The International Series.
As he sets his sights on the Black Mountain Championship in Hua Hin this week, Kruger hopes to carry over his recent winning form.
The 38-year-old recently claimed his third Asian Tour victory at the weather-affected Mercuries Taiwan Masters, despite feeling that he was “not playing as well” as he wanted.
Due to Typhoon Krathon, the field was forced to play three rounds of shotgun starts over two days. Still, Kruger came out on top, finishing two shots ahead of South Korean Jeunghun Wang and Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert.
That win boosted Kruger to 12th place in the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and he’s now looking for a similar result in The International Series, where he sits 44th after four tournaments.
He got off to a strong start at the Black Mountain Championship, posting a five-under-par 67 in the first round, just three shots off the lead in a tightly packed leaderboard.
With six events in eight weeks left in the season, the race to secure a spot in the LIV Golf League is heating up.
Kruger acknowledges the stakes, saying: “I think it (the LIV Golf League place) is in the back of everyone’s mind. You have to win multiple tournaments, it’s the only way.”
Reflecting on The International Series, Kruger noted its importance for players: “It’s probably the biggest draw card for the Asian Tour.
They have grown with The International Series events. I think everyone wants to try and play on LIV Golf, if they’re not on the PGA Tour. At the moment, it’s the only way.”
Though optimistic, Kruger admits he’s still searching for his best form. “I’m battling on the driving range at the moment, battling with ball striking. I’m not hitting it as well as I should.
And then the putter is on and off—it’s never really warm, it’s never really cold. I just have to keep grinding, even though the game’s not there.”
Despite these challenges, his confidence has been bolstered by the recent win. “But with any win, it definitely boosts your confidence. I still believe I can win, even when I’m not playing great.”
When discussing the pressure of playing an elevated event on The International Series, Kruger shared: “Something I learned over the years is they (tournaments) are not bigger or smaller.
You still have to hit good shots. You still have to make putts. Even if the prize money is bigger, it’s still a golf tournament.”
Kruger also reflected on the reduced format at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and how it compares to the LIV Golf structure. “Yes, we played three rounds or 54 holes, but we played 27 holes the first day, and then 27 holes the second day.
So that’s almost the opposite of LIV Golf. But you know, I think that shows that it’s the guy that can adapt the best that can win. I think it is as simple as that.”
The Black Mountain Championship, the fifth of 10 elevated events on the schedule, takes place from October 17-20 at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin.
Following that, the International Series Thailand will be held from October 24-27 at Thai Country Club.
For more information on The International Series, visit www.internationalseries.com.
