Richard Bland takes an early lead at The International Series Philippines 2025! Watch highlights from Round 1 as Bland, Dustin Johnson, Dean Burmester, and other LIV Golf stars battle it out at Sta. Elena Golf Club. Get the latest scores, player insights, and key moments from this exciting tournament. Who will come out on top? Stay tuned for more action from the Philippines!
Keywords: LIV Golf, International Series Philippines, Richard Bland, Dustin Johnson, Dean Burmester, Sta. Elena Golf Club, golf highlights, 2025 golf tournaments, Asian Tour
Alive Golf’s Philippine Showdown. Bland blasts off, but can he sustain the lead? October 23rd, 2025, 1010 a.m. by Matt Vincenzi. The Eliv Golf Circus has landed in the Philippines, and the opening round of the international series Philippines, presented by Bingo Plus, has already delivered some thrilling moments. 15 LIV stars teed off, but it was veteran Richard Bland who stole the show with a blistering six under 66, putting him just two shots behind leader Serret. But here’s where it gets interesting. Bland, a stalward of Clicks Golf Club, hasn’t exactly been on fire lately. At 52, he’s looking to recapture the magic of his earlier LIIV seasons where he consistently finished in the lock zone. Can he sustain this momentum throughout the tournament? Only time will tell. Other LIIV heavyweights are hot on his heels. Stinger GC’s Dean Burmeister and four aces GC captain Dustin Johnson sit tied for seventh after solid five under 67s. Johnson reflecting on his round highlighted the positive atmosphere and his impressive nine birdies. Though a double bogey on the 15th left him wanting more. And this is the part most people miss. The international series isn’t just about glory. It’s a crucial pathway on a LIIV golf for the season’s top performer. This Philippine event marks the sixth of nine elevated Asian tour stops, offering a golden ticket to the winner. The STA Elena Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones junior masterpiece, provides a stunning backdrop for this highstakes battle. Its all-weather design and challenging layout have earned it a spot on Golf Digest prestigious 100 best golf courses outside the United States list multiple times. Beyond Bland and the Front Runners, several LIIV players are looking to make their mark. Peter Uline, Rangegoats GC, and Mark Leechman, Ripper GC, are tied for 14th, while Kevin A, Iron Head GC, Patrick Reed, four aces GC, and Charles Schwarzel, clicks GC, are all under par. Controversy lurks beneath the surface. Anthony Kim, relegated after the 2025 LIIV season, is playing every remaining international series event in a desperate bid to reclaim his spot. Will his gamble pay off? The Philippine leg promises drama both on and off the course. With so much at stake, expect fierce competition, unexpected twists, and perhaps even a few heated debates among fans. What do you think? Can Bland hold onto his early lead? Will Kim’s comeback story have a happy ending? Who’s your pick to win all?
