Local favorite Miguel Tabuena produced a commanding performance to thrill home fans and capture the US$2 million International Series Philippines title at Sta. Elena Golf Club, marking a defining moment in his career.
The 31-year-old Filipino fired a brilliant seven-under-par 65 in the final round to secure a three-shot victory at 24-under-par total, ahead of Japan’s Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67), who shared second place at 21-under.
The victory, Tabuena’s fourth Asian Tour title, cements his status as the most successful Filipino golfer in Asian Tour history, surpassing Angelo Que’s record of three titles. It also took him beyond US$3 million in career earnings and marked his first International Series crown.
“This is truly special. To win the biggest golf event ever hosted in the Philippines, in front of my people, is an incredible honour,” said an emotional Tabuena, who knelt on the 18th green after holing his final putt. “I wasn’t 100 per cent this week after pulling out of Macao with neck spasms, but I found a way. Having my family and friends here, especially my mom who turns 60 soon, made this victory even more meaningful.”
Tabuena’s final round gathered momentum after an eagle on the par-five eighth hole, followed by four birdies on the back nine that sealed his wire-to-wire dominance.
Meanwhile, Higa, already a two-time winner this season, surged back to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit after closing with four consecutive birdies. “My caddie and I decided to stay aggressive, and it worked perfectly. There’s still a lot of golf to play this season, so I’ll keep focused and try to win again,” said the 30-year-old Japanese star.
Asaji, who had struggled for form in recent months, rediscovered his touch with a spectacular weekend charge highlighted by a holed bunker shot on the 17th. His fifth-place finish secured him a spot in next week’s Link Hong Kong Open.
Among the international names, Australia’s Marc Leishman (65) finished solo sixth at 19-under, while Caleb Surratt (67) of the USA and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) tied for seventh at 16-under. Former world No.1 Dustin Johnson carded a 67 to finish tied 15th at 13-under.
The International Series Philippines, one of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule, drew record crowds and marked a milestone for Philippine golf. The Tour now heads to Hong Kong for the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open, continuing its global season swing.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour is celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful and diverse golf tour in the world.
It is built on a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
Since 2022, The International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.
The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours.
Also, it is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour – the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations – an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region. Rolex, Kweichow Moutai and Bluewater are the Tour’s three main partners.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award winning Sentosa Golf Club – a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
