Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena aims to join an exclusive group of players who have won the National Open of his country three times when he competes in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open this Thursday.
Tabuena, the country's top golfer, previously claimed victory in this tournament in 2015 and again in 2018. If he succeeds at the Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club this week, he will join two regional legends—Filipino Ben Arda and Chinese-Taipei’s Lu Liang-huang—who achieved this feat in the 1960s and 70s.
His first win at this historic tournament, which dates back to 1913, was particularly meaningful as it marked his inaugural title on the Asian Tour. The 30-year-old reflected on that victory, stating, “It’s when I first felt I belonged on the Asian Tour,” recalling the event held in Luisita.
This week’s competition is notable as it is the first time the event has been part of the Asian Tour since his memorable win at age 21, after four years as a professional. He described that moment as “special” and “surreal,” expressing hope to relive that feeling.
Although Tabuena did not secure a win on Tour last year, he had a strong season, finishing seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with two top-three finishes, a fourth, a fifth, and seven top-10s overall. Most of these achievements came during a busy conclusion to the season, after which he took a well-deserved break.
He commented on his current form: “My game is good; it’s not the sharpest, but I don’t think anyone here will be sharp coming off the break. It’s not a very long offseason for us.” He ended his previous season in mid-December and needed time to recharge after a packed schedule.
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Miguel Tabuena. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
The Smart Infinity Philippine Open features a prize pool of $500,000 and serves as the season opener for the Asian Tour. Tabuena expressed excitement about having the regional circuit return to his home country. “It’s going to be a different week. It’s nice to be in my home country,” he noted, emphasizing that local knowledge could be advantageous.
He also mentioned that he regularly practices at Manila Southwoods and is eager to see familiar faces from the Tour in the Philippines, hoping to make everyone feel welcome.
Achieving a third victory would be significant for Tabuena, although he still trails behind compatriot Larry Montes, who holds the record with 12 wins between 1929 and 1954.