This was more than just a victory for Miguel Tabuena; it was a victory for the Philippines.
If you’re a fan of golf but have never watched it live, here’s your sign to start looking around for the next tour stop, because there’s something special about being there to see how these elite athletes measure, shape, and execute every shot.
The rhythm of each swing, how the crowd suddenly dies down until the ball lands softly on the green with a sudden burst of applause that ripples through the fairways. On the final day of the International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf Club, those sounds formed the soundtrack to what became a historic Sunday — not only for Filipino golf, but for fans who came to witness one of our own, Miguel Tabuena, win on home soil.
It was my first time in the Sta. Elena Golf Course. Famous for being one of the best but also most exclusive courses in the country, my expectations were high, and it did not disappoint. Entering the long driveway, traffic was smooth, marshals were helpful, and the shuttle system efficiently transported fans from car to course. It set the tone for what would be one of the best-organized sporting events I’ve attended in the Philippines.
The LIV Golf influence was clear from the start: from the entrance arches and fan zones to the music echoing softly across the practice greens, the vibe was equal parts professional and playful. You could tell this wasn’t your typical quiet, exclusive golf affair; it was a celebration. Families were out with kids, fans were decked in golf polos and bucket hats, and the food stalls had everything from cold beers to artisanal coffee.
Walking the course
I decided early that I’d walk the back 9 with the flight off Miguel. It seemed fitting, given that this was his home course and possibly his most significant career moment. Whenever possible, I would always walk a course when I play. Not only is it good for your health, but it’s one of the best ways to be in nature and experience the trees, foliage, and occasional wildlife as well. My Apple Watch would later show 15,000 steps, but I didn’t notice it at all with the great vibes that everyone had.
Sta. Elena is a beast of a course, but it has always been one of the most picturesque courses in the country — lush fairways framed by acacia and mango trees, manicured greens that roll true, and subtle undulations that reward precision. The VIP areas were well-positioned, offering great vantage points, but honestly, even the regular fan spots were fantastic. You could stand by the rope line and feel close enough to the action to hear the ball strike.
The Back Nine Thriller
By the time Miguel reached the turn, the leaderboard had tightened. Tabuena, Kazuki Higa, and Yosuke Asaji were trading birdies like boxers exchanging jabs. Higa, fresh off wins in Korea and Chinese Taipei, was hunting down his third straight title. Asaji, meanwhile, looked like a man rediscovering form after months of struggle.
But this was Miguel’s house.
At the par-five 8th, he launched a drive that seemed to hang in the air forever, setting up a stunning eagle that drew a roar from the Filipino crowd so loud it startled a few foreign players nearby. If they didn’t know about Filipino fandom for sports, they know it now. From there, the day felt like destiny taking shape. I started walking with his flight from the 9th hole green and saw how his composure carried him the rest of the way. He navigated the hazards of Sta Elena with poise — four birdies, no major mistakes — and turned what was a tense duel into a statement win.
Each time he drained a putt, a wave of cheers followed him to the next tee box. The crowd was vibrant yet disciplined, a rare balance in live sports. It seemed that everybody knew golf etiquette, which was a welcome sign. The crowd was dominated by amateurs and pro local golfers, but there were a few who were just there to check it out. Even with beer and cocktails flowing freely — yes, the concession stands were busy but behaved — I didn’t see a single incident. Everyone kept to their spots and practiced courtesy all around. Golf, being a gentleman’s sport, showed with the fans as well.
The Home Stretch
By the 16th hole, the energy was electric. Higa had closed with four straight birdies of his own, and Asaji was making noise after holing out from a bunker on 17. This happened while Miguel himself, in perhaps his only big mistake of the back 9, found himself with one of the hardest golf shots in golf: a 50-yard bunker shot. Go short, and he risks missing the green, and going long would put the back bunker at play.
Miguel blasted one high and landed it softly in the green to the delight of the crowd. People were in awe of that shot, which all but wrapped up the title for him. From there. He would wrap up 17 with ease. Walking beside him and his group, you could sense his focus — calm, composed, and completely locked in.
Then came that moment on 18. After sinking the final putt, Miguel fell to his knees — emotion, exhaustion, and pure pride pouring out. The gallery erupted. We weren’t just witnessing a golfer win a tournament; we were watching a Filipino athlete claim his place in history. His victory marked his fourth Asian Tour title, making him the most successful Filipino golfer ever on the Tour and pushing his career earnings past US$3 million.
“It’s truly special,” he said afterward. “To win this, here, in front of my people — it means everything.” You could tell it wasn’t just athlete-speak. The moment was deeply personal. His mother, turning 60 this December, was among the first to embrace him.
Golf’s LIV-ing Evolution
Credit must also go to the organizers and sponsors, especially BingoPlus and the International Series team, whose partnership with LIV Golf brought a new level of polish and fan engagement to local golf. From the grandstands to the hospitality tents, every detail reflected world-class standards.
There was a genuine effort to make golf fan-friendly — interactive booths, accessible walking paths, and digital leaderboards that updated instantly. For once, it felt like Philippine golf wasn’t just hosting an event; it was showcasing capability.
If LIV Golf were scouting for new destinations, Sta. Elena proved that the Philippines can deliver. The layout handled the international field with ease, the crowd showed both passion and respect, and the atmosphere felt cosmopolitan yet uniquely Filipino. The Philippines also has a few top-tier golf courses that can host future tournaments, like Southwoods, as well as Anvaya golf course.
Fans, Families, and Fairways
One of the highlights of my day was chatting with fellow fans along the course — some were longtime players, others were first-timers drawn by the promise of seeing big names like Dustin Johnson, who finished tied-15th at 13-under. I spoke with many of the patrons who were beside me while waiting for the players. We were keeping track of the scoreboard online, and every stroke that got Miguel closer to the title seemed to get the crowd closer together as well.
Everyone had good things to say about the course and the experience as well. Kids were having fun with their families, and barkadas were talking about the highlight shots that they saw firsthand, wanting to try them out themselves, the next time they play.
Golf isn’t typically known for raucous fandom, but on that Sunday, Sta. Elena had a pulse. And with the mix of Filipino hospitality and LIV Golf’s entertainment style, it was clear why attendance swelled.
Looking Ahead
As the sun dipped and Miguel lifted the trophy, I realized this wasn’t just about one man’s win. It was about possibility. The Philippines proved it could host, manage, and celebrate an international-caliber golf event. Everything — from logistics to crowd control — worked.
For fans like me, who walked every hole, it was an experience to remember. My calves may have protested, but my heart was full.
The day ended with handshakes, laughter, and that post-tournament buzz that only comes from witnessing something historic. As I walked back to the parking area (still organized, still efficient), I overheard a group of young fans say, “LIV has got to look at this and think we should do this again.”
I hope so — because after what I saw at Sta. Elena, I believe we’re ready for more.
Banner image from Asian Tour on Facebook.