Filipino rising star Aidric Chan marked a significant career milestone at the Singapore Open presented by The Business Times, making his first cut on The International Series and emerging as the leading Filipino on the leaderboard after three rounds at Sentosa Golf Club, building valuable momentum ahead of his homecoming event in November.
Chan set the tone early with an impressive opening round of five-under-par to sit tied third, before adding rounds of 72 and even-par 71 to move into a tie for 12th heading into the final day, leading the Filipino contingent.
Reflecting on his third round, Chan felt there was still more to give despite remaining firmly in contention.
“I feel like I could’ve done a bit better,” he said. “I bogeyed 16 and 17, which cost me a chance to finish under par, but overall I’m happy to be heading into the weekend. Looking forward to putting together a strong round tomorrow.”
Chan’s progress on The International Series has been built on unwavering persistence. After earning his place at International Series Morocco last year alongside his cousin Carl Jano Corpus, following their victories at the Morocco Rising Star events on the Asian Development Tour, he has continued to grind through five appearances before breaking through with his first weekend showing.
“It’s been a nice journey,” he said. “Yesterday I was really grinding to stay close to the leaders, and moments like making the cut here mean a lot. My caddie and I were actually laughing about it — it’s my first cut on The International Series, so that’s a really good step. But the goal now is to push on and finish as high as I can this weekend.”
With two coveted places into The Open Championship on offer this week, Chan admits the opportunity adds an extra layer of motivation, while remaining measured in his approach.
“It definitely gives me a bit more motivation to be aggressive when the opportunities are there,” he said. “The pins are still quite tough, so you can’t force it, but if I get a chance, I’ll go for it.”
Beyond Singapore, Chan is already looking ahead to a landmark moment later this season, with the BingoPlus Philippine Open set to feature on The International Series schedule, a prospect that carries special meaning for the young Filipino.
“I was really excited when I heard the news in Japan,” he said. “A lot of us Filipinos consider Southwoods our home course, and it’s also mine. I finished eighth there last year, so it’s a place I’m comfortable with. It’s great to see it back on the Asian Tour and part of The International Series.”
With strong local support expected, Chan believes the event will further energise Filipino golf and inspire players on home soil.
“Definitely,” he added. “Filipinos love their golf, and we always get great crowds. Southwoods is quite accessible from the city center, so it’ll be really exciting to see how many people come out to watch. It just adds to the energy and motivation for us.”
