Local hero Miguel Tabuena delighted home fans and withstood a barrage of birdies from his nearest rivals, as a solid seven-under par 65 proved good enough for a dominating three-shot win in the US$2 million International Series Philippines.
Related: Zheng, Tabuena go low to catch up with Sarit
Playing at his home course, Sta. Elena Golf Club, just a week after he had to pull out of the SJM Macao Open with neck spasms, Tabuena finished on a 24-under total, while the Japanese duo of Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) were tied second at 21-under.
The win, Tabuena’s fourth, makes him the most successful Filipino golfer on the Asian Tour. The previous record of three titles was held by Angelo Que. He also broke through the US$3 million in career earnings on the Tour with his first International Series title.
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Higa, winner of back-to-back titles in Korea and Chinese Taipei, was back on 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 identical score of 69 to be tied fourth at -20.
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Australia’s Marc Leishman (65) was the best placed among the several LIV Golf stars in the field this week, getting to solo sixth place. Caleb Surratt (67), of the USA, and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) were tied seventh at 16-under.
But the week, and the moment, in one of the best-attended golf tournaments in the Philippines belonged to Tabuena.
He was one-under after seven holes, and still tied with Zheng at 18-under. But an eagle on the par-five eighth separated him from 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. To win it as a Filipino, in front of my people, is an incredible honour,” said the 31-year-old, who fell on his knees after making the winning putt on the 18th hole.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent this week. I withdrew from an event last week because of neck spasms, but somehow, we got it done. I 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.”
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Higa closed his final round in stunning fashion with four birdies in his last four holes.
“I spoke with my caddie on the 15th hole and we decided to finish strong – to stay aggressive all the way in. I managed to execute that plan well and got some good results from it, so very happy with how we finished,” said the 30-year-old.
“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.”
