Staff WriterJames Piot is making his presence felt at the Link Hong Kong Open, climbing the leaderboard with the kind of form that could punch his “golden ticket” back into the LIV Golf League. The former HyFlyers GC man followed up Friday’s fireworks with another composed display at Hong Kong Golf Club, carding a second straight five-under-par round to sit at 12-under, eight shots adrift of leader Tom McKibbin.
For Piot, this isn’t just another week on tour — it’s a mission. A mission to prove he still belongs on golf’s biggest stage.
“Definitely playing on The International Series helps with everything golf-related,” Piot said. “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 (on The International Series) were really valuable.”
The 27-year-old American has taken full advantage of The International Series this season, teeing it up in six events and carving out a reputation for consistency. Saturday’s round saw six birdies against a single blemish — a calm contrast to Friday’s rollercoaster that included a hole-in-one, an eagle, and a triple bogey for good measure.
Still, this is a man who thrives on chaos. Piot’s career, after all, has always had a bit of drama about it — from his U.S. Amateur triumph at Oakmont to his first taste of Augusta, and now, a determined charge across Asia as he hunts that golden ticket back to LIV Golf.
“It’s a great tour – the prize money is strong, and the tournaments are really well run,” Piot said of The International Series. “For players like me traveling all the way from the U.S., it makes the trip worthwhile because everything’s done at a high level: great courses, great fields, and great crowds.”
That golden ticket — a direct path into the LIV Golf League for the season’s Rankings champion — remains one of the most sought-after prizes in professional golf.
“Having that golden ticket up for grabs – anyone can take it – is great motivation,” Piot said. “It pushes you to play your best and chase that opportunity.”
After shoulder surgery sidelined him last year, Piot has rebuilt his swing and his confidence. Now, the Detroit native looks sharp and self-assured again — traits that made him one of America’s brightest prospects not too long ago.
“The goal every week is to try to win – that never changes,” he said. “I’m finally feeling good about my game, and this series gives me the perfect stage to prove it.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. This week’s Link Hong Kong Open offers Major championship exemptions — including a route into The Masters — for those who perform best under pressure.
“It’s really special to have that opportunity,” Piot said. “Playing your way into 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. To have that chance again adds even more motivation.”
Piot isn’t walking this path alone. He’s surrounded by familiar faces — fellow Americans Andy Ogletree and Ollie Schniederjans, both of whom have used The International Series as a springboard to success. Ogletree earned his promotion back to LIV’s HyFlyers GC after winning the Series Rankings, while Schniederjans kicked off this season with a victory in India.
“I’ve been buddies with Andy for a long time and got to know Ollie better this year,” Piot shared. “It’s great seeing more American guys coming over, hungry to win and make it onto LIV. The competition is getting stronger every week.”
That camaraderie extended to his pairing on Saturday with Harold Varner III, a current HyFlyers GC player who has been in fine form this LIV season. Varner posted a four-under 66 to move to 11-under, a shot behind Piot.
“It was fun,” Varner said. “I played with James, who’s a good friend of mine, and he beat me today. Definitely didn’t let him, he earned it! We had a great time out there.”
Varner, like Piot, has embraced The International Series as more than just a tune-up — a global test that sharpens his game.
“I’ve only played a handful, but I really enjoy them,” Varner said. “I played in India earlier this year to get ready for a tournament—it was my first time there, and I loved the experience. I’ve also played both Hong Kong events and one in England at Foxhills, where I played really well. I love traveling and seeing new places. Just need to play a little better!”
As the sun set over Fanling, James Piot walked off the 18th green with that familiar mix of grit and optimism. Eight shots back or not, he knows this is where reputations are rebuilt — and where careers can be reborn.
If the golden ticket truly is up for grabs, don’t be surprised if Piot’s name is printed on it.
