Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena wins Philippine Open

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Miguel Tabuena shot 6 birdies to overtake the leaders and claim his first Asian Tour title at the Philippine Open on Sunday, December 20.

The 21-year-old shot a 6-under par 66 in the final round to become the first Filipino to win his national open since 2008.

Tabuena had fallen short of winning his first Asian Tour title several times before including at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei in October where he settled for runner-up after initially leading the field. 

“You have to take your defeats as a positive and remind yourself that it is part of the process. It definitely made me a stronger golfer mentally,” he said.

“I knew I was playing for the win,” he added.

The Philippine Open was slashed to 54 holes, and over three days rather than four, due to Typhoon Melor.

Scott Barr of Australia was in second place, scoring a 68 but ensuring that he would retain his Tour card for 2016 after jumping 15 spots to 49th place on the Order of Merit.

“I couldn’t hole any putts for 14 holes. Once I did, it was game-on and I holed my share. I did what I needed to do but it is a shame to finish one short,” he said.

Himmat Rai of India shot the round of the week at the Luisita Golf and Country Club with a 63, but shared third place overall with Chinnarat Phadungsil of Thailand, who scored a 67.

Leading Scores:

202 – Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 67-69-66.

203 – Scott Barr (AUS) 69-66-68.

204 – Himmat RAI (IND) 71-70-63, Chinnarat Phadungsil (THA) 67-70-67.

206 – Seukhyun Baek (KOR) 69-71-66, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 70-68-68, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-70-69, Niall Turner (IRL) 69-68-69, Keith Horne (RSA) 69-68-69.

207 – Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 70-70-67, Charlie Wi (KOR) 70-69-68, Khalin Joshi (IND) 70-67-70, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 67-69-71, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 69-67-71, Lindsay Renolds (CAN) 66-68-73. – Rappler.com