Miguel Tabuena relishes International Series PH win: ‘This means everything’

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Filipino golf star Miguel Tabuena savors the experience of winning in front of his family and compatriots as he rules the historic staging of the International Series Philippines

They say there is no place like home.

So it was understandable why golfer Miguel Tabuena was so emotional as he ruled the International Series Philippines on Sunday, October 26, overcoming enormous pressure en route to a 24-under total at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Buoyed by the support of his compatriots and his family at his home course, Tabuena fired a 7-under 65 in the fourth and final round to beat Japan’s Kazuki Higa and Yosuke Asaji by three shots and capture his fourth title on the Asian Tour.

The 31-year-old dropped to his knees after parring the final hole that sealed his victory, then hugged his mother Lorna, wife Sandra, daughter Paloma, and father Luigi.

“My family and friends were there. My mom’s turning 60 this December and it meant everything to have her see me win,” said Tabuena.

“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.”

The win allowed Tabuena to end a two-year title drought on the Asian Tour, with his last victory coming in the DGC Open in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.

It also made Tabuena — a silver medalist in the 2010 Asian Games — the most successful Filipino on the Asian Tour as he broke his tie with Angelo Que, who placed at joint 30th.

Looking back, though, a win seemed unlikely, considering Tabuena pulled out from the Macau Open a week prior due to neck spasms.

Tabuena also ended the first round at joint 23rd with a 69, but he slowly worked his way to the top, registering 65 in each of the last three rounds to lift the trophy and pocket the top purse of $360,000 (over P21 million).

“I wasn’t 100 percent 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,” said Tabuena.

Entering the final round tied with China’s Sampson Zheng and Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Tabuena was not to be denied.

After a bogey on the par-5 seventh hole, Tabuena bounced back with an eagle on the par-5 eighth then proved steady on the back nine with four birdies and five pars as he topped the historic staging of the tournament that brought some of the biggest golf stars to the country, including former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) and major champions Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) and Patrick Reed (USA).

Schwartzel finished at joint 12th, while Johnson and Reed were at 15th and 20th, respectively.

“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 honor,” said Tabuena.

Higa and Asaji shared second place and took home $173,000 each. – Rappler.com