Evergreen South African Jbe Kruger acknowledges that every player that lines up on The International Series is thinking about securing a berth in the LIV Golf League, which serves as motivation as he attempts to carry over his recent winning form at this week's Black Mountain Championship in Hua Hin.
Despite "not playing as well" as he desired, the 38-year-old just completed his third Asian Tour victory at the weather-affected Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
Typhoon Krathon forced the field to play three rounds of shotgun starts over the two weekend days. Kruger won, beating South Korean Jeunghun Wang and Thai player Pavit Tangkamolprasert by two strokes.
With that win, he rose to 12th in the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Now, he's trying to move up from 44th after four tournaments, so he'll be seeking for a similar performance when serving in The International Series.
At the Black Mountain Championship, he got off to a strong start. With a five-under opening round score of 67, he trailed the early leaders by just three strokes.
"I think it (the LIV Golf League spot) is in the back of everyone's mind," he added, referring to the six events in eight weeks that will conclude The International Series season and the pivotal rankings race that will award the winner a spot on the LIV Golf League roster. The only way out is to win many tournaments.
It's most likely the Asian Tour's main attraction. With the events of The International Series, they have expanded. If they're not on the PGA Tour, I believe everyone would like to try their hand at playing on LIV Golf. It's the only option available right now.
Though Kruger is still not entirely persuaded of his form, he is confident he can make a challenge.
"I'm battling with ball striking on the driving range right now," he said in clarification. I'm not performing to my full potential. The putter is therefore intermittent; it is never extremely hot or cold. Even if the game isn't there, I still have to grind.
However, winning gives you a confidence boost. Even when I'm not playing well, I still think I can win.
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After winning the 2024 Mercuries Taiwan Masters, Kruger was beaming.
Concerning the pressure of participating in a high-profile event on The International Series, he went on to say:
"Over the years, I've come to realize that competitions are neither bigger nor smaller. You still need to make accurate shots. Putts are still required. It's still a golf tournament even with the larger prize money.
Did Kruger feel comfortable with the LIV Golf format given the Mercuries Taiwan Masters' shortened schedule of three rounds?
He laughs, "Totally different experiences."
Indeed, we engaged in three rounds, totaling 54 holes; nevertheless, we dedicated 27 holes on the first day and another 27 holes on the second. Thus, that is practically the reverse of LIV Golf. However, I believe it proves the strongest adapter will emerge victorious. I believe that's all there is to it.