AMERICAN golfer Austen Truslow is meticulously assembling a support team — a “village,” as he calls it — in his pursuit of a first professional victory and a golden ticket to the LIV Golf League.
The 29-year-old, currently ranked 28th on The International Series Rankings, enters this week’s Moutai Singapore Open, the penultimate International Series event of 2025, riding a wave of momentum. His recent solid finishes include a sixth place in Morocco, a tie for ninth in the Philippines, and a tie for 12th at the Link Hong Kong Open.
A team-based approach to tournament prep
Truslow, who stands 6-foot-5, is leaving no detail to chance as he focuses on course strategy and the mental side of his game. He consults with a trio of experienced professionals, believing the results are already showing.
“I (consulted) with Nick O’Hern, who used to play on the PGA Tour from Australia. He is someone I check in with about course strategy and mental mindset, for some feedback and perspective from his tour experience,” Truslow said.
He added: “I also talk with John Weir (the developer of the Mental Golf Type program), and I also speak with Mike Bender (acclaimed American coach). So I think creating a team has also been a big part of it.”
He maintains constant contact with his mentors.
“I have a check-in with Nick every tournament, actually I talk to him every week, and I have been working with Mike for 15 years on my swing. So if something is off, I always reach out to him,” he added.
Consistent caddie, community support
Beyond his coaches, Truslow credits a commitment to consistency with his improved results, starting with his caddie, pro golfer Julian Hood.
“I think adding a consistent caddy has been a big one for me this year,” Truslow noted.
He also finds grounding in the Asian Tour community.
“We also have a Bible study out here on the Asian Tour with a lot of people from all over the world and that’s helpful,” he said, citing players like Scott Vincent and Jaco Ahlers.
Eyeing the LIV Golf Pathway
Truslow’s high ranking secures him a likely spot in the LIV Golf Promotions event in January, where 25 of the top 40 on The International Series Rankings will earn a spot in the first round.
A strong finish in Singapore, however, could propel him into the top 20, granting him a valuable first-round bye.
The ultimate goal remains a professional win and entry into the LIV Golf League, which offers two golden tickets to the League for the 2026 season via the Promotions event.
“I have never won a world ranked golf tournament, so it would be an amazing time to win one now,” Truslow exclaimed.
Despite the high stakes, he remains focused on the present.
“I would love nothing more in the world than to play on LIV Golf — that would be the greatest thing, as a golfer. But I am just trying to look at each week as one plus one equals two. If you put in the work and have the right mindset, and stay disciplined, you will get the results over time.”
Truslow, known for his unique one-handed chipping technique during play, has gained extensive experience, including qualifying for the U.S. Open in both 2023 and 2025.
