Local star Miguel Tabuena was a popular winner of the International Series Philippines at his home course in Manila on Sunday. Image courtesy Asian Tour.
By Rahul Banerji
Miguel Tabuena delighted home fans with a solid performance to win the $2 million International Series Philippines by three strokes in Manila on Sunday.
Over the final 18 holes, Tabuena had to withstand a barrage of birdies from his nearest rivals at his home Sta. Elena Golf Club course, the Asian Tour said
Tabuena totalled 24 under 264, while the Japanese duo of Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) were tied second at 21 under 267.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar brought home a shared seventh place finish on 16 under 272 alongside Caleb Surrat of the US..
Karandeep Kochhar was tied for 36th on 9 under 279 while Ajeetesh Sandhu was a stroke adrift in tied 40th. Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia and Rayhan Thomas failed to make the 36-hole cut.
Bhullar exchanged four birdies, two on either side of the turn, against one dropped shot in his 69 while Kochhar closed with a level par 72.
Historic result
At the top, Tabuena’s fourth title made him the most successful Filipino golfer on the Asian Tour, beating Angelo Que who won thrice.
It also sent his career earnings past the $3 million mark with his first International Series title.
Higa, winner of back-to-back titles in Korea and Chinese Taipei, returned to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit with the finish.
Joint overnight leaders, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, both shot 69s to be tied fourth at 20 under.
Australia’s Marc Leishman (65) was the best placed among the several LIV Golf stars in the field this week with sole sixth place.
Some of the others included Patrick Reed, Dean Burmester, Charl Schwartzel, Richard Bland and Peter Uihlein.
But the week, and the moment, in one of the best-attended golf tournaments in the Philippines belonged to Tabuena, winner of the DGC Open presented by Mastercard two years ago.
He was one-under after seven holes, and still tied with Zheng at 18-under.
Breathing space
An eagle on the par-five eighth however gave him a gap on the field, and he made no mistakes on the back nine while pouring in four birdie putts.
“It’s truly special. This is the biggest golf event the Philippines has ever hosted,” said the 31-year-old, who fell on his knees after making the winning putt on the 18th hole.
“To win it as a Filipino, in front of my people, is an incredible honour
“I wasn’t 100 per cent this week. I withdrew from an event (in Macau) last week because of neck spasms, but somehow, we got it done. Managed to recover and adjust.
“It was humbling to see the support from the fans no matter what kind of shot I hit.
“My family and friends were there. My mom’s turning 60 this December, and it meant everything to have her see me win. I just fell to my knees.
“It was hard to hold it together after such a long, emotional week. I had so much expectations – from others and from myself. This means everything.”
Higa closed his final round in stunning fashion with four birdies in his last four holes.
Aggressive approach
“I spoke with my caddie on the 15th hole and we decided to finish strong – to stay aggressive all the way in,” said the 30-year-old.
I managed to execute that plan well and got some good results from it, so very happy with how we finished.
“There are still many big tournaments to come (before the Order of Merit is decided), so I’ll just keep doing the same things. Just stay patient, stick to my process, and try to win again.
“That’s the most important goal.”
Asaji, who missed seven cuts and withdrew from one tournament in nine starts since early August, finally found the form that has seen him win four titles on the Japan Golf Tour, including the 2019 Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
The 32-year-old shot a 29 on the back nine on Saturday and was five-under today – including a holed bunker shot on the par-three 17th from an impossible position – as he mounted a late charge.
Top draw
Star attraction of the tournament and former world no. 1 Dustin Johnson closed with a 67 and finished his week tied 15th at 13-under.
The International Series Philippines was the sixth of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule.
The Asian Tour, and the International Series, moves to Hong Kong next week for the $2 million Link Hong Kong Open.
Also read: Bhullar is sole seventh at International Series Philippines
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.