LIV Golf Philippines 2025: Richard Bland’s Fast Start & Round 1 Highlights

Richard Bland takes an early lead at The International Series Philippines 2025! Watch highlights from Round 1 as Bland shoots a 6-under 66, placing him just two shots behind leader Sarit Suwannarut. We also recap top performances from Dustin Johnson, Dean Burmester, and other LIV Golf stars. Get the latest updates from Sta. Elena Golf Club and see who’s making a move in this exciting tournament.
Keywords: LIV Golf, International Series Philippines, Richard Bland, Dustin Johnson, Dean Burmester, golf highlights, 2025 golf tournaments, Sta. Elena Golf Club

In the electrifying world of professional golf, where loyalties are divided and rivalries run deep, Lov Golf continues to stir up waves with its innovative yet divisive approach to the sport. But is it revolutionizing the game or just shaking things up for the sake of it? October 23rd, 2025 marks a thrilling day at the International Series Philippines, where 15 LIV golf stars kicked off the action-packed tournament. As the sun set on round one, the scores varied wildly, but one player emerged with a blazing start. Richard Bland from Clak’s golf club who carded a sensational six under 66 tying for third and trailing the leader Sarat Suanarut by just a couple of shots. But here’s where it gets interesting for golf enthusiasts. Who do you think will dominate the rest of the week? For those new to LIV golf, it’s a breakaway league founded by Greg Norman, offering hefty purses and team-based competition which has sparked endless debates about its impact on traditional golf. To dive deeper into the full round one highlights, check out this comprehensive recap. https colwww.livegolf.com/news/round-1-recap-in international-series-filippines-2025. Not far behind, Dean Burmister of Stinger GC and four aces GC captain Dustin Johnson both delivered strong performances with five under 67s, securing spots in a tie for seventh. Meanwhile, Peter Weline from Range Goats GC and Mark Leechman of Ripper GC each shot four under 68s, landing them in a tie for 14th. Johnson, ever the charismatic leader, shared his thoughts on the round. The vibe was fantastic, and teaming up with Miguel Tabuena and Louisisen made it even more enjoyable, he remarked. We all hit our strides, racking up plenty of birdies in a fun atmosphere. I managed nine birdies myself. That’s a sign of some solid golf swings, though a poor T-shot on 15 led to a double bogey. Still, I’m pleased with my position heading into Friday and the upcoming days. Several other players also dipped below par in the opening round. Kevin Na, the Iron Heads GC captain, posted a three under 69, good for a tie 23rd. Patrick Reed of four aces GC followed with a two under 70, tying for 35th. Charles Schwarzel, Clicks Golf Club, Louisisen, Stinger GC, Caleb Sorret, Legion 13, and Wildcard entry Chipo Lee all shot one under 71s, placing them in a tie for 53rd. Curious about the full standings? Here’s the complete leaderboard. https colww.series.com/leerboard. And this is the part most people miss, the strategic importance of these International Series events. As a quick primer for beginners, these tournaments serve as a gateway for golfers to potentially join LIIV golf at season’s end based on their rankings in the International Series standings. https/www. internationalseries.com/rankings. This week, the focus is on the International Series Philippines presented by Bingo Plus, a prestigious event on the Asian Tour that’s part of nine elevated competitions. It’s an opportunity for Asian tour players to climb the ladder toward LIIV Golf Stardom. The tournament unfolds from October 23rd to 26th at Starena Golf Club in the picturesque Star Rosa, Lagona. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this par 72 layout spans 7,33 yards and has been hailed as a standout. Included in Golf Digests 100 best golf courses outside the United States for 2005 to 2006 and 2009 to 2010. Built starting in 1992 and opening in 1995, it’s the Philippines inaugural all-weather course featuring tiff Eagle Dwarf Bermuda Grass on the greens. A choice that ensures playability even in varied weather, making it an ideal spot for highle competition. Now, let’s zoom in on some key players and their backstories to give you a fuller picture. Richard Bland. At 52, Bland is gearing up for his initial outing post the 2025 LIIV golf season wrap-up. While he didn’t quite match his past successes where he consistently earned spots in the lock zone over three seasons, he still had a respectable year, ending 27th overall with four top 10 finishes, leading his clicks golf club team in that category. Dean Burmeister, fresh from missing the cut at Wentworth’s BMW PGA Championship due to struggles with his irions where he lost 1.48 strokes per round to the field. This Stinger GC standout sees the Philippines as a perfect rebound venue. His track record shines in Asia, including 85 at last year’s International Series Qatar on LIIV Golf and solid showings on the Asian Tour. Sam Horsefield, the 29-year-old, had a mixed 2025 LIIV Golf campaign with just one top 10 result, but showed promise by finishing T7 at May’s International Series Japan. A glimmer of potential for more noise this time around. Dustin Johnson, leading four aces GC. This legend is venturing into his debut international series event beyond the Saudi international. His recent form at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship mirrored his up and down 2025 season. Brilliant stretches but inconsistency overall. Anthony Kim determined to reclaim a li golf position after relegation post 2025. Kim is committed to competing in every remaining international series. His latest effort was a T44 at the Asian Tours Jakarta International Championship 2 weeks ago. Janichiro Koa. After a hot midsummer with consecutive top 10s at Dallas and Ander Lucia, Koua’s performance dipped, finishing 40th or lower in the final three LIV golf events. He since faced three cuts on the Asian and Japan tours, underscoring the need for a turnaround. Danny Lee, aiming for a resurgence, the Iron Heads GC veteran notched only one top 10 all 2025, T9 at LIV Golf Miami. Last year, he competed in three international series without advancing past the cut. Chipo Lee, building on three recent Asian Tour appearances, including a strong T11 at the Jakarta International, this wild card winner of last year’s International Series Thailand, is poised for impact. Mark Leashman, after a brief hiatus, he returned triumphantly at last week’s Western Australia Open, finishing T3 in Perth after 20 years away. a boost as he prepares for December’s Australian Open where he’s chasing his first victory there. Kevin Na, the 42-year-old Iron Heads GC captain, endured a tough 2025 with no top 10s and a disappointing 44th in overall standings, his worst yet in four LIIV golf years. This marks his first international series since the 2024 Saudi International. Louis Uizen coming off a T11 at the Alfred Dunhill links where he stayed in contention. The Stinger GC leader had three international series outings last year including runner-up in Oman and T3 in Qatar. Patrick Reed highly active since LIIV Golf’s close. This is his fifth start with cuts made in all four previous and two top 20 results, notably T3 at Wentworth’s BMW PGA Championship. He was runnerup at March’s International Series Macau. Charles Schwarzel returning for his first fall event after aiding Stinger GC’s finals push. The South African earned T10 at July’s International Series Morocco. Caleb saw it. At 29, the youngest Legion 13 member demonstrated significant progress in 2025. Following AT32 at the Alfred Dunhill links, this is his third international series after T-61 in Macau and T-31 in Japan. In 2024, he claimed three top three spots. Peter Weline, a frequent competitor with 11 international series appearances, Weline triumphed in Qatar and England last year, added second in Thailand and third in Morocco. The Range Goats GC power hitter recently finished T99 at the Alfred Dunhill Links. Player news highlights. Range Goats GC captain Bubba Watson was set to participate but will undergo a minor procedure on his left ring finger, sidelining him for about 8 weeks. Mark Leechman, the Ripper GC veteran, made a spectacular comeback at the Western Australia Open, tying for third and closing strong, just two shots off winner Oliver Becca. Meanwhile, talk GC captain Neman is ramping up for back-to-back Australia events, the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, and newly confirmed, the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland. Ending the year with two weeks down under is ideal, Neman infused. Australia’s golf scene is incredible, and I cherish memories from my 2023 Australian Open win. The fan support has been phenomenal, and I’m eager to compete again. Winning the Australian PGA would be a dream. He’ll be joined by Talk GC teammates Carlos Ortiz and Sebastian Munos. But here’s where the controversy really heats up. Is LIIV golf a fresh breath of air, democratizing the sport with bigger payouts and global appeal, or a disruptive force undermining traditional tours like the PGA? Many argue it levels the playing field by attracting top talent with lucrative deals, while critics say it fractures the game’s unity. What do you think? Does the excitement of events like this outweigh the debate, or is there a better way to evolve golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives.