Miguel Tabuena produced a commanding performance to claim the biggest victory of his career, winning the International Series Philippines at his home course, Sta. Elena Golf Club, with a final-round seven-under 65.
The Filipino star finished at 24 under par to win by three strokes ahead of Japan’s Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67), who shared second place on 21 under.
Tabuena, 31, sealed the win with a steady par at the 18th, falling to his knees in tears before embracing his family and supporters.
“I’m still on a high right now,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ve always wanted to get my hands on one of these trophies – it’s even more special to win at home, at my own club. I’m so thankful for everyone who came out – my family, my friends.”
It marked Tabuena’s fourth Asian Tour victory and his first in the $2-million International Series, a circuit backed by LIV Golf. His latest triumph also moves him to second on the International Series Order of Merit, with the overall winner earning a spot on the 2026 LIV Golf roster.
Starting the final round tied for the lead on 17 under, Tabuena surged ahead with birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes and a brilliant chip-in at the par-four 15th.
His playing partners, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, both closed with 69s to finish on 20 under in a tie for fourth.
“It’s a dream come true,” Tabuena said after the emotional win. “It’s certainly different playing at home. To do it here, in front of everyone I love, is something I’ll never forget.”
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel was the best of the Major winners in the field, finishing tied-12th at 14 under after a 68, with compatriot Dean Burmester three shots back to share 20th positon.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
– AFP
Photo: Jason Butler/Getty Images
Article Link: Local hero wins International Series Philippines