Miguel Tabuena Shines at Home to Claim Record Asian Tour Victory
Sta. Elena, Philippines, October 26 (TheTrendingPeople.com):
Local golf hero Miguel Tabuena thrilled home fans with a commanding performance at the USD 2 million International Series Philippines, finishing with a 24-under total to claim a three-shot victory at the Sta. Elena Golf Club. Tabuena’s final round of seven-under par 65 secured his fourth Asian Tour title, making him the most successful Filipino golfer in the Tour’s history.
The win was particularly special for Tabuena, coming just a week after withdrawing from the SJM Macao Open due to neck spasms. “I wasn’t 100 per cent this week… but somehow, we got it done. It was humbling to see the support from the fans, no matter what kind of shot I hit,” Tabuena said, visibly emotional as he sank the winning putt on the 18th hole.
Commanding Performance at Home
Tabuena began the day one under par after seven holes, still tied with China’s Sampson Zheng at 18-under. An eagle on the par-five eighth hole allowed him to separate from the chasing pack. He closed the back nine with four birdies, maintaining composure and accuracy throughout to finish three strokes ahead of Japan’s Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67), who tied for second at 21-under.
“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 added, recalling the emotional support from his family and friends.
Higa and Asaji Make Late Charges
Japanese duo Kazuki Higa and Yosuke Asaji delivered strong finishes but could not catch Tabuena. Higa closed with four consecutive birdies to demonstrate resilience and remain a top contender on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. “There are still many big tournaments to come, so I’ll just keep doing the same things. Stay patient, stick to my process, and try to win again,” said Higa.
Asaji, who had struggled in recent months, rediscovered his form on the back nine with five-under par, including a dramatic holed bunker shot on the par-three 17th. The 32-year-old’s performance also earned him entry to the next week’s Link Hong Kong Open. “The front nine was tough, but I was able to go five under on the back nine, and that was my day,” Asaji said.
Notable Performances and LIV Golf Stars
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, joint overnight leaders with Tabuena, both finished four strokes behind, tied fourth at 20-under. Among the LIV Golf stars, Australia’s Marc Leishman performed best, finishing solo sixth with a 65. Other notable performances included Caleb Surratt (67) of the USA and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69), tied seventh at 16-under.
Former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, one of the tournament’s star attractions, closed with a 67 to finish tied 15th at 13-under.
Tabuena Makes History
With this victory, Tabuena not only surpassed Angelo Que’s previous record of three Asian Tour titles, but also crossed the USD 3 million mark in career earnings. The win further cements his position as the Philippines’ leading golfer and showcases the rising standards of Filipino golf on the international stage.
“It meant everything to have my mom see me win… I just fell to my knees. It was hard to hold it together after such a long, emotional week,” Tabuena said, reflecting on the personal significance of the triumph.
Looking Ahead
The International Series Philippines marked the sixth of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule. Next week, the Tour moves to Hong Kong for the USD 2 million Link Hong Kong Open, where players like Higa and Asaji will look to continue their strong performances.
Tabuena’s victory, in front of passionate home supporters, highlights both the growing stature of Filipino golf and the competitive depth of the Asian Tour, where rising stars are increasingly making their mark on the international stage.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Miguel Tabuena’s home victory is a landmark moment for Filipino sports, symbolizing resilience, skill, and national pride. His achievement underscores the increasing global relevance of Asian golfers and the exciting future of the sport in the region.