Philippine Open: Tabuena spearheads home charge

Miguel Tabuena carries the biggest share of the local hopes as 28 Filipinos brace for a crack at the $1-million 108th Philippine Open, which tees off next week at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

The former champion, who ended a 12-year Filipino title drought when he ruled the national championship in 2015, returns with an even bigger international profile after earning a wildcard entry into the LIV Golf League.

His inclusion in the field adds considerable star power to the country’s premier golf championship, with Tabuena expected to lead the homegrown challenge against a strong international cast.

An Asian Tour campaigner, Tabuena has established himself as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished professional golfers, building an impressive résumé through victories at home and abroad.

Among his notable career achievements are his 2015 Philippine Open triumph and victories on the Asian Tour, including the Resorts World Manila Masters in 2015 and the Queen’s Cup in 2016.

His international credentials received another major boost last year when he captured the International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf Club, prevailing against a world-class field that included four major championship winners.

The victory underscored Tabuena’s ability to compete with and beat some of the biggest names in professional golf, adding to his stature as one of the country’s leading players.

Tabuena returns to the Philippine Open with renewed credentials and the opportunity to lead another Filipino bid for the national championship crown.

His 2015 Philippine Open triumph remains the last time a Filipino won the prestigious tournament, making his campaign next week particularly significant as he seeks to lead the home country’s quest to reclaim the title.

The 28-man Filipino contingent also includes Angelo Que, Justin Quiban, Lloyd Jefferson Go, Carl Jano Corpus, Jhonnel Ababa, Antonio Lascuña Jr., Clyde Mondilla, Sean Ramos, Enrico Gallardo and Enrique Dimayuga.

Completing the local cast are Aidric Chan, Gab Manotoc, Jeffren Lumbo, Rupert Zaragosa, Keanu Jahns, Russel Bautista, Art Arbole, Zanie Boy Gialon, Elee Bisera, Dino Villanueva, Reymon Jaraula, Fidel Concepcion, Kristoffer Arevalo, Ryan Monsalve, Ivan Monsalve, Francis Morilla and amateur Shinichi Suzuki.

The depth of the local representation gives the Philippines several contenders capable of making a run at the title, with the likes of Que, Mondilla, Lascuña and Quiban bringing considerable experience to the campaign.

But much of the spotlight will be on Tabuena, whose return to the Philippine Open comes with the added distinction of being a LIV Golf wildcard entry and the last Filipino to lift the championship trophy.

With a million-dollar purse at stake and national pride on the line, the Filipinos will be eager to end the country’s long wait for another homegrown champion.