A journey strengthened by grit, determination and love

Sean Jean Ramos has realized a lifelong dream, securing an Asian Tour card after the gruelling five-round qualifying final stage in Thailand last week.

The 20-year-old, who boldly chose to skip college to pursue his professional golf career, emerged as the lone Filipino to finish among the Top 35, ensuring his place on the prestigious tour. Ramos started strong and navigated intense pressure with poise, a testament to his resilience and dedication.

Early years

Ramos’ journey began humbly at the age of five when his father introduced him to golf at Villamor Air Base Golf Course in Pasay City.

“It felt a bit strange at first since it’s such a tough sport for kids, but I’m grateful I kept returning to the range to get better,” Ramos shared, reflecting on his early struggles and determination.

His first attempts in junior tournaments yielded little success, but his persistence paid off as he grew into the sport.

“I think I started improving when I was 13 and got into the national training pool,” he said.

From there, he achieved significant milestones, including winning two national titles and representing the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games at just 16. His efforts were instrumental in the team’s bronze medal finish in 2019.

Ramos’ ambition to turn professional was evident from a young age.

“It was really the only thing I thought of doing, even when I was young,” he said.

Turning pro at 18

True to his word, he relinquished his amateur status at 18 and dove into the Philippine Golf Tour. By the following year, he had secured spots on both the Asian Development Tour and the All-Thai Tour.

However, his two previous attempts to qualify for the Asian Tour ended in disappointment.

Last year, he missed it by just a single stroke.

“It never gets easier,” Ramos admitted. “It does make you work harder though and teaches you a lot. So, I turned those failures into a lesson and changed what needed to be changed to get better.”

Putting remains to be the weakest link in his game.

“I’m pretty sure I hit almost all greens this week and was having a hard time converting,” Ramos rued.

But he assures he is on the right path.

“We worked on my putting every day before we left (for Thailand) and it’s getting better. Will continue to just do that and maybe change the putter to fit my stroke,” Ramos said.

Despite the lack in size, the five-foot-seven is not allowing it to hinder his plans.

Getting stronger

Ramos has set a goal to increase his club head speed from 113 to 118 mph. Currently, he hits his driver an average of 280 yards, slightly below the Asian Tour standard of 290 to 310 yards.

He admitted that he has not yet committed to a gym routine for strength training.

“I’ve spent so much time focusing on golf,” Ramos explained. “But I definitely need to start working out. I played in a few Asian Tour events this year, and I noticed that many players work out before and after their rounds, which I’m sure is new to a lot of people.”

Having competed in 27 events this year, Ramos said it’s been difficult to establish a body conditioning program.

“I’ll try to start slow in January and hopefully work my way up to a full workout schedule,” he said.

His lucky charm

Ramos credits his success this season to his girlfriend and fellow professional, Laurea Duque, whom he calls his “lucky charm.” Duque has been a constant companion in his golf journey, except when she’s competing on the China Tour.

“We started dating at 13, and in the process, we also became best friends,” Ramos said. “It’s easy to stick together when you both support each other’s careers.” He added that their relationship has grown strong over the years.

Ramos claims a clear advantage in their head-to-head matchups, winning most of their competitions this year.

“She never asks for strokes, but recently, just before we left, she started asking for some. Last time, I gave her four strokes, but I think that might’ve been too much. We usually bet dinner on it,” he said with a smile.

As Duque’s caddie, Ramos appreciates her calming influence on him.

“She knows exactly what to say and when to say it, so it really helps when things start to go sideways,” he noted.

And yes, Duque sometimes scolds him. “She does, especially when I make decisions out of anger,” Ramos confessed.

Bucket list

Ramos clinched his first pro title at Lakewood Golf and Country Club in Cabanatuan City, but he still has three big goals left on his bucket list: win on the Asian Tour and the International Series, and play in a Major.

He will have the chance to achieve one of those goals at the Philippine Open next month, held at Manila Southwoods’ Masters course.

“I’m excited for it to be my first event of the year, in my hometown, on my home course,” Ramos said.

The journey ahead is long, but with time on his side and an Asian Tour card in hand, Ramos is poised to take his career to new heights, ready to compete on a stage he’s long envisioned.