Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf)
The International Series’ growing influence on the global game will be on full display this week at LIV Golf Riyadh, with Miguel Tabuena and Ollie Schniederjans both earning call-ups for the season-opening event.
For Tabuena, the opportunity marks a historic milestone. The 31-year-old becomes the first player from the Philippines to compete in the LIV Golf League after being selected by 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson to join his team in Riyadh. Tabuena’s inclusion comes after 4Aces team member Patrick Reed recently announced that he was leaving LIV Golf and returning to the PGA Tour.
Tabuena’s call-up follows a breakthrough season on The International Series, highlighted by a career-defining victory at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. That win, achieved against one of the strongest fields ever assembled in the region, saw him finish ahead of Johnson himself after the pair were grouped together in the opening two rounds.
Although Tabuena narrowly missed out on the season-long International Series Rankings title, finishing third overall, his consistent performances firmly placed him on LIV Golf’s radar. Initially named as a reserve for LIV Golf Riyadh, he was subsequently drafted into the 4Aces GC lineup by Johnson, reuniting the pair just months after their showdown in Manila.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me this week,” said Tabuena. “Competing against the best players in the world has always been a dream of mine, and I still can’t believe it’s finally happening.
“Winning in Manila definitely helped. That tournament had the strongest field I’ve ever won against, and handling that pressure made me realise I can use it in a positive way.”
Tabuena will begin his opening round in Riyadh alongside fellow International Series winners Ben Campbell and Yosuke Asaji, the latter having secured his own LIV Golf progression after finishing second in last season’s Rankings behind Scott Vincent.
Meanwhile, American Ollie Schniederjans will also return to the LIV Golf stage, stepping in once again for HyFlyers GC captain Phil Mickelson. Mickelson recently announced on social media that he would be absent from the first two events of the season (Riyadh and Adelaide) because of a family health matter. The call-up marks the second consecutive year Schniederjans has filled Mickelson’s spot at the season opener in Riyadh.
“The opportunity to play LIV Golf Riyadh is incredible,” said Schniederjans. “Playing on a team means a lot to me, and I want to perform not just for myself, but for Phil and the guys. Being the season opener and playing under the lights makes it a really cool experience.”
Ollie Schniederjans of America, who is stepping in for HyFlyers GC this week. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)
Schniederjans arrives in Riyadh with proven pedigree, having claimed a four-shot victory at the 2025 International Series India presented by DLF, finishing ahead of Crushers GC captain and U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. Despite that breakthrough, he narrowly missed out on a full-time LIV Golf card through both the Rankings pathway and LIV Golf Promotions.
Those near misses, however, have only sharpened his focus.
“I’m gunning for a full spot on LIV,” Schniederjans said. “I believe in the future of LIV Golf and the global game. I know I have a lot to prove, and I’m working as hard and as smart as I can to get there.”
He added that the off-season has been spent simplifying his game and building consistency as he targets a strong start to the 2026 International Series season.
