Kazuki Higa capped off a landmark season by becoming the first Japanese golfer to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit, sealing the title at the season-ending Saudi Open presented by PIF at Dirab Golf & Country Club near Riyadh.
The 30-year-old finished tied seventh on 16-under-par after a closing four-under 68, a result that proved more than sufficient to secure the coveted Merit crown. Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren claimed victory in the tournament itself, carding a 67 to finish on 23-under, one stroke clear of Australia’s Jack Thompson.
Higa topped the final Order of Merit standings with 2,082.34 points, finishing 199.84 points ahead of Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent in second place. Vincent closed with a 68 to tie for 15th and had entered the week needing a dramatic swing of fortunes to overhaul Higa. While falling short on the Merit list, Vincent took consolation in having already secured the International Series Rankings title three weeks earlier, earning a pathway back to the LIV Golf League.
In achieving the Merit title, Higa added another historic milestone, becoming the first player to win both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and the Japan Tour Money List, the latter achieved in 2022 during a dominant season that included four victories. He succeeds American John Catlin as Merit champion, with Catlin tying for 15th at the Saudi Open and finishing 43rd on the final standings.
“I am so, so happy. This is a great honour,” said Higa, who has now competed in 18 consecutive tournaments. “I just love playing golf. That’s what it’s about. I can’t wait to get home to see my family.”
Beyond prestige, the Merit title delivers significant opportunities, including exemption into The Open Championship via the International Federation rankings, with a potential place in the PGA Championship also available depending on world ranking position.
Higa’s season-long consistency underpinned his success. He opened the year with three straight top-10 finishes, including a tie for eighth at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open, tied fifth at the International Series India presented by DLF, and runner-up honours at the 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport. His campaign gathered decisive momentum in September with back-to-back victories at the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea and the Yeangder TPC in Chinese Taipei, followed by a tied second at the International Series Philippines in October, a result that returned him to the top of the Merit list for good.
Determined to succeed overseas after winning the Japan Tour Money List, Higa committed to a full Asian Tour season and undertook a major physical transformation. Rigorous strength and aerobic training, combined with meticulous equipment and shot-shaping work, delivered tangible gains. His average driving distance increased from 284.41 yards to 297.91 yards, remarkable for a player standing just 158 centimetres tall.
Known as a composed frontrunner, Higa has now claimed 13 professional victories, most achieved from the lead. Two early wins on the Asian Development Tour, the BTI Open in Bangladesh in 2018 and the UMC Championship in Malaysia in 2019, proved early indicators of a career built on discipline, intent, and sustained performance.
The Asian Tour now has a new benchmark, and Kazuki Higa’s season will be remembered as one defined by purpose, progression, and history made the hard way.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour is celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful and diverse golf tour in the world. It has built a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
Since 2022, The International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.
The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. It is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide.
Rolex, Kweichow Moutai and Bluewater are the Tour’s three main partners.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour, the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations, an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award-winning Sentosa Golf Club, a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
