Top local bet Miguel Tabuena stole the spotlight and delivered a masterful performance to claim the inaugural International Series Philippines title at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.
Miguel Tabuena would not be denied in front of his home fans at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The 31-year-old shot a 7-under 65 in the final round, ruling the inaugural International Series Philippines on Sunday, October 26.
Finishing at 24-under 264, Tabuena repulsed Japanese duo of Kazuki Higa and Yosuke Asaji by three shots.
It marked Tabuena’s fourth win on the Asian Tour, making him the most successful Filipino golfer in tour history after surpassing Angelo Que’s previous record of three titles.
“It’s truly special. This is the biggest golf event the Philippines has ever hosted. To win it as a Filipino, in front of my people, is an incredible honour,” Tabuena said as he celebrated with his parents and family.
Tabuena was one-under through seven holes, tied with Sampson Zheng at 18-under, before an eagle on the par-five eighth gave him a decisive edge.
He closed the back nine with four birdies and never looked back, pulling off perhaps the biggest victory of his career.
The win also catapulted the Filipino golfer to no. 2 in The International Series rankings just behind former Olympian Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng both shot 69 to tie for fourth at -20, while Australia’s Marc Leishman (65) was the top LIV Golf player in sixth place.
Caleb Surratt (67) of the U.S. and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) tied for seventh at 16-under, and former world no. 1 Dustin Johnson closed with a 67 to finish tied 15th at 13-under.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.