Miguel’s victory boosts Phl golf

Miguel Tabuena knocked down a rare hole-in-one in the third round of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus on Saturday at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club.

The following day, he sank an ace anew — this time, for Philippine golf.

Tabuena’s victory against a constellation of international golf stars in the prestigious $2-million event is considered one of the biggest wins by a Filipino, not just because of its degree of difficulty but also because of its lasting impact on Philippine golf.

Tabuena said emerging victorious in front of his family, friends, and countless young Filipinos is such a major boost to a country where golf is always taking a backseat to more popular spectator events like basketball, volleyball and boxing.

He said with his win, he hopes that more athletes will start picking up golf clubs and take up golf lessons in various courses around the country to give the sport — and the entire sports industry in general — a massive boost.

“Hopefully, ordinary people will take up the game,” Tabuena said shortly after closing with a brilliant seven-under par 65 to close with a 24-under 264 total to rule one of the biggest golf tournaments ever to be staged on local soil.

“I hope more kids will enjoy the game with their families. As you know, family means so much to me. Together with my team, they have been supporting me right from the start. I’m happy to get all the support I need from everybody.”

But the impact of Tabuena’s triumph is not only limited on the fairways.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio also stressed that the victory is also a shot in the arm to the country’s grassroots sports and sports tourism programs — initiatives that are being pushed aggressively by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Miguel stood his ground against some of the world’s best golfers, shining brightly on homeland fairways. His victory is a big win for the grassroots golf development programs that we are pursuing in collaboration with the NGAP (National Golf Association of the Philippines),” Gregorio said.

“We also salute the Filipino fans, whose world-class hospitality continues to make the Philippines a proud sports tourism destination. The more we see this level of competition on home soil, the more we unlock and highlight the talent of our athletes.”

Still, for Tabuena, his victory is a validation that Filipinos can truly shine against the brightest stars in the world.

“Not only golf fans, but sports fans in general can be aware that golf is where Filipinos can excel. I’m happy to win this at home in front of all of them,” he said, beaming with a smile while holding the shiny golden trophy that serves as a fitting reminder of the hard work, dedication and sacrifices he put in.