The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus is a powerful platform that will help the current crop of Filipino talent by testing their skills against the best in the world and exposing them to the highest level of competition.
That is the view of Angelo Que, a relative elder statesman of the Filipino scene and a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, including the Philippine Open in 2008. The 46-year-old, a legendary name in Philippine golf and a stalwart of the Asian Tour for over two decades, understands better than most how transformative the tournaments can be.
"Especially for the younger players, it gives them a sense of the competition level out there,” he said. “The International Series is on a different level in terms of the field, camaraderie, and quality of play. These players are used to playing bigger tournaments, so it’s great for the guys to experience that. For us, yes, it feels like a Major, but at the end of the day, it’s still a tournament. If you play your normal game, you can compete with them.
Currently leading the Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit, Que has been in fine form this season with consecutive high finishes on the Asian Development Tour – a T3 at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament and T5 at the ADT Players Championship presented by The R&A.
Joining him this week are several of the country’s brightest young talents, eager to showcase their abilities on home soil.
Among them is Aidric Chan, who sits fourth on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit with two victories this season - at the Lexus Challenge and the Morocco Stars Marrakech, the latter earning him a start in the International Series Morocco.
“I’m really excited. It’s something we all look forward to,” said Chan. “Not many golfers get the chance to compete with major champions - players we grew up watching. Hopefully, I can make the weekend and maybe even play alongside one of them. That’s something to really aim for. It’s inspiring and motivates me to push harder this week.”
Also representing the next generation is Sean Ramos, who has been turning heads in his first full season on the Asian Tour with a string of strong performances: tied 22nd at the International Series Morocco, tied 19th at the Jakarta International Championship, and a tied 7th finish at the SJM Macao Open.
“I think recently my ball striking has been a lot better, and mindset-wise, I’ve been playing with more freedom,” Ramos said. “Last week was a big confidence booster. Before, it felt like I was reaching for the stars, but now I know I can compete and do it again.
“I’m very honoured to compete on home soil with massive names in golf like Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen. I think it’s the first time they’ve ever played here, so I’m really proud to see where my game stands alongside theirs.”
Enrico Gallardo earned his place in the field by finishing as highest non-eligible local in the ADT qualifier, highlighting the important pathway created for Filipino golfing talent.
“It’s a real honour to be here,” Gallardo said. “I’m very glad I was able to earn my slot - the last one in, actually. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and hopeful to play my best this week.”
When asked about his goals, Gallardo revealed his hopes of earning a place on the Asian Tour next season. He said: “This is a big step for my career. I plan to go to Q-School in Thailand this December for the Asian Tour, and I hope this event gives me more confidence heading into that and future tournaments.”
The International Series is creating an exciting pathway for local players to compete at a higher level by offering playing opportunities to Filipino golfers and bringing the Asian Development Tour to the country. The tournament also supports the game’s grassroots growth through a US$50,000 donation to the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
Home favourite Miguel Tabuena, a three-time Asian Tour champion, is also ready to embrace the challenge.
“Of course, you always want to perform well in your home country,” Tabuena said. “But at the same time, you have to treat it like any other event. These guys (Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel) are Major winners - they can adapt to anything. So course knowledge isn’t a huge factor this week. Still, I’m going to give it my best shot and try to keep the Philippine flag on top of the leaderboard.”
The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus is one of nine elevated events on the Asian Tour this season, offering players from around the world a pathway into the LIV Golf League through the season-long International Series Rankings.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
