The Philippine Open tees off this Thursday, January 23, bringing together a thrilling blend of local legends, international stars, and rising talents in a spectacle of skill and determination.
As Asia’s oldest national championship, the tournament stands as a bridge between the past and the present, carrying with it a storied legacy and the dreams of players eager to etch their names into history.
The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club takes center stage, its 7,138-yard par-70 Masters course setting a demanding tone. Renowned for its lightning-fast greens and devilish hazards, the course is a true test of precision and strategy. To raise the stakes, organizers have reconfigured two par-5s into par-4s, shifting the focus from brute strength to pinpoint accuracy.
Angelo Que, the 2008 Philippine Open champion, is keen to rekindle his winning form. With $500,000 on the line, Que approaches the tournament with a mix of confidence and respect for the formidable field, which includes three former Asian Tour Order of Merit winners.
“Malaki ang chance niya (Que), kasi maganda ang pinapalo,” says his coach Bong Lopez, a former national champion and Southwoods’ range director. “Kailangan lang mag-ingat para maka-perfect start.” Que, who tees off at 6:55 a.m. alongside Christopher Hickmann and Rahil Gangee, is banking on his deep familiarity with the course to guide him through the early rounds. Lopez has urged a conservative opening, trusting that patience will yield birdie opportunities as the tournament unfolds.
Miguel Tabuena, another Filipino favorite and a two-time Philippine Open champion, also steps into the spotlight. Tabuena, armed with home-course expertise, begins his quest at 7:15 a.m. against former champion Steve Lewton and LIV Golf standout Chase Koepka.
Adding to the intrigue is a stellar international lineup. Asian Tour stalwarts like Jazz Janewattananond, Chan Shih-chang, and Kim Yeongsu headline the field, while rising stars Justin delos Santos and Rianne Malixi aim to steal the show. Malixi, the lone female amateur, tees off at 8:15 a.m. alongside Ervin Chang and Danthai Boonma, ready to prove her mettle on the big stage.
Dynamic groupings ensure the action will be fierce. Justin Quiban squares off with Suteepat Prateeptienchai and Jeunghun Wang at 11:45 a.m., while Taichi Kho, Travis Smyth, and Scott Vincent headline another marquee clash at 11 a.m.
With winning scores projected between 13-under and 20-under par, the tournament demands a blend of finesse, strategy, and mental fortitude. The reconfigured course adds a layer of unpredictability, leveling the playing field in an era dominated by technology and power.
As the Philippine Open unfolds, the spotlight shines on the contenders’ ability to rise above the challenges of this iconic course. From seasoned veterans seeking redemption to ambitious rookies chasing their breakthrough, the tournament promises to deliver a celebration of golf’s timeless allure.
