Emotional home triumph: Miguel Tabuena captures International Series Philippines
Miguel Tabuena delivered a fairytale victory for the home crowd, sealing a dominant three-shot win at the US$2 million International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf Club.
The Filipino star, playing on his home course and just a week removed from withdrawing from the Macao Open due to neck spasms, closed with a brilliant 7-under 65 to finish at 24-under, ahead of Japan’s Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) at 21-under. The win was Tabuena’s fourth Asian Tour title, making him the most successful Filipino golfer in history, surpassing Angelo Que’s record of three victories.
“It’s truly special — this is the biggest golf event the Philippines has ever hosted,” Tabuena said, fighting back tears. “To win it here, in front of my people, is an incredible honour. My mom turns 60 soon, and having her see me win made it even more emotional.”
The 31-year-old’s round was highlighted by a clutch eagle on the par-five eighth, followed by four back-nine birdies that sent the local fans into raptures. His triumph also pushed his career earnings past the US$3 million mark and gave him his first International Series title.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar continued his strong form, finishing T-7 at 16-under alongside American Caleb Surratt, while Marc Leishman (65) was the top LIV Golf performer in solo sixth.
Gaganjeet Bhullar carded rounds of 67-69-67-69 (16-under 272) to secure a T-7 finish at the #InternationalSeries Philippines, earning his first top-10 result of the season and climbing to 24th in the IS rankings.
— Dead Solid Perfect🎙️ (@Deadsolidp) October 26, 2025
📸 @asiantourgolf pic.twitter.com/FSpKTdmvUo
As Tabuena sank his final putt and dropped to his knees in relief, the packed galleries erupted — a moment that will go down as one of the greatest in Philippine golf history.
Photo – Asian Tour
