Julien Sale makes history with a win in Philippines
Julien Sale etched his name into Asian Tour history by becoming the first member to win on debut, capturing the $500,000 Philippine Open on Sunday. The 27-year-old Frenchman, originally from Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, fired a brilliant five-under-par 65 in the final round to seal his maiden professional title.
Sale started the day two shots behind Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura but quickly made his move. His final-round 65, highlighted by seven birdies, propelled him to an 11-under-par total of 269. Despite a bogey on the 18th, his three-shot cushion heading into the final hole was enough to secure victory.
Ikemura carded a 68, and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana shot 67, both finishing tied for second at 10-under-par. Sale’s patience and composure were evident, even as the wind tested players throughout the day.
Reflecting on the milestone, Sale said, “It feels amazing. It hasn’t sunk in yet, but to win my first professional title and on the Asian Tour is incredible.”
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧-𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞
— Dead Solid Perfect🎙️ (@Deadsolidp) January 26, 2025
Julien-Alexander Sale, from France, spent four years grinding it out on the Alps Tour and Challenge Tour,
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His triumph also made him the first Frenchman to win on the Asian Tour in over 15 years, following Gregory Bourdy’s victory at the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open. Sale joins an elite group, including Tiger Woods, who won their first Asian Tour event, although Woods wasn’t a member at the time.
Australian Kevin Yuan finished fourth with a 68, while Filipino Miguel Tabuena surged to a share of fifth with a 66.
Sale’s journey to this historic win wasn’t easy. After losing his Challenge Tour card last year, where he missed 15 cuts in 23 starts, he demonstrated resilience and determination to achieve this breakthrough.
Photo – Asian Tour
