Golf · Asian Tour · 2026

Date & time

5 Apr 2026, 00:00

Round

3

Location

Chiba, Japan

The final round at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the first International Series event of 2026. The primary challenge for co-leaders Hongtaek Kim and Shugo Imahira is maintaining focus under the weight of the "LIV Golf pathway" pressure. The objective for Imahira is to become the first Japanese winner in the history of this specific event, while Kim’s goal is to convert his wire-to-wire lead into a maiden International Series title. Strategically, the final 18 holes are a test of nerve on the greens, which have reached their peak speed of 13 on the Stimpmeter. The objective for the chasers, including Yubin Jang and Travis Smyth, is to apply early pressure on the front nine to force the leaders into a defensive mindset. The goal for the field is to survive the treacherous 18th hole, a par-5 where the pin is traditionally tucked behind a deep greenside bunker, often deciding the champion in the final moments of play.