Michigan native James Piot competes in international series

James Piot, a frequent player at my home course – Washtenaw Golf Club – where he recently set the course record, has competed in the International Series in hopes of returning to the LIV Golf League.

Piot played collegiate golf at Michigan State and won the 2021 U.S. Amateur.

In 2022, he was one of the first members of the LIV Golf League, joining Phil Mickelson’s team. He was relegated in 2024 after two seasons of struggle.

The route back to LIV for Piot is via the International Series – a series of events sanctioned by LIV during the Asian Tour.

At the time of writing, Piot has played in six International Tour events and is playing well at the International Series Hong Kong, where he has posted rounds of 68-65-65. The International Series consists of four rounds, so he was able to improve on that in the last round.

Earlier this year he finished 48th in the International Series Macau, 50th in Jakarta and 51st in Morocco.

Last summer, Piot finished 73rd at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where he was invited as a sponsor.

Piot has also had some success on American ‘mini-tours’, where he has achieved several victories.

Overall, he seems to be recovering well from his shoulder surgery in 2024.

I am confident that all members of Washtenaw are committed to seeing Piot fulfill his professional dream of returning to LIV. (LIV held its season finale in 2025 at The Cardinal in Plymouth.)

Below is a press release from the International Series:

Piot cherishes the chance to win back a golden ticket to the LIV Golf League at The International Series

Harold Varner III also cheers on heats as he competes in the historic Link Hong Kong Open

(Hong Kong November 1, 2025) Former HyFlyers GC member James Piot makes a leap up the rankings at the Link Hong Kong Open as he continues his hunt for what he calls the “golden ticket”: a direct path back to the LIV Golf League via standout performances in the International Series.

The 27-year-old American posted a second straight five-under par round and moved to 12 under par after three rounds at the Hong Kong Golf Club, eight behind leader Tom McKibbin of Legion XIII in the LIV Golf League.

After a second rollercoaster round with a hole-in-one, an eagle sandwiched by a triple bogey and a bogey plus five birdies, Piot carded six birdies and one drop shot on the moving day.

Piot has been a consistent presence at the International Series this season, competing in six events and embracing the challenge of world-class fields. For him, these tournaments are more than just stops on the schedule; they form a testing ground for his abilities.

“Playing on the International Series certainly helps with everything related to golf,” Piot explains. “The fields are strong, especially weeks like this with the LIV Golf guys. I had a third and fourth place finish earlier this year and these experiences (at the International Series) were very valuable.”

In addition to the competition, Piot appreciates the quality and atmosphere that distinguish these events.

“It’s a great tour – the prize money is high and the tournaments are very well organised. For players like me who come all the way from the US, it makes the trip worth it because everything is done at a high level: great courses, great fields and great crowds.”

The International Series route to LIV Golf remains one of the sport’s most coveted opportunities: a golden ticket to the season’s Rankings champion.

“Having that golden ticket up for grabs – anyone can get it – is a great motivation,” Piot said. “It forces you to play your best and chase that opportunity.”

A former U.S. Amateur champion and major championship competitor, Piot’s journey has taken him from Oakmont to Augusta, and now across Asia in search of his next big break. After overcoming shoulder surgery last year, he has rediscovered his rhythm in 2025 and is determined to finish strong.

“The goal every week is to try to win – that never changes,” he said. “I finally feel good about my game and this series gives me the perfect stage to prove that.”

The stakes are even higher with major championship exemptions on the line this week in Hong Kong, the seventh of nine major events on the Asian Tour calendar.

“It is very special to have this opportunity,” said Piot. “Working your way to a Major, especially The Masters, is huge. I played there a few years ago and it’s one of the best memories of my career. Getting that opportunity again adds even more motivation.”

Piot’s determination is also fueled by camaraderie with compatriots such as Andy Ogletree and Ollie Schniederjans, both winners of The International Series. Ogletree moved up to the HyFlyers GC after winning the International Series Rankings and claiming three titles in two seasons, while Schniederjans won against a star-studded field in India at the start of the season.

“I have been friends with Andy for a long time and got to know Ollie better this year,” says Piot. “It’s great to see more American guys coming in, hungry to win and reach the LIV. The competition is getting stronger every week.”

Playing alongside Piot today was HyFlyers GC member Harold Varner III, who is coming off a strong LIV Golf season with two top-five finishes in Dallas and Chicago and two additional top-10 finishes in Adelaide and Miami.

Varner shot a round of four under par and moved to 11 under after three rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open. Reflecting on his day, he said: “It was fun. I played with James, a good friend of mine, and he beat me today. He definitely didn’t let that happen, he deserved it! We had a great time there.”

The 35-year-old also spoke about his experience at The International Series: “I’ve only played a handful of them, but I’m really enjoying it. I played in India earlier this year to prepare for a tournament. It was my first time there, and I loved the experience. I also played both events in Hong Kong and one at Foxhills in England, where I played really well. I love traveling and seeing new places. I just need to play a little better!”

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