Filipino golf hero Miguel Tabuena will take his campaign for a place in the LIV Golf League to its final battleground in Florida next month, after narrowly missing out in The International Series Rankings race for the two coveted LIV Golf spots at the series finale in Saudi Arabia.
A top-three finish on the year-end Rankings earned Tabuena direct exemption into Round 2 of LIV Golf Promotions, taking place at Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club in Florida from 8–11 January 2026 — where two more LIV Golf League places await the top finishers. It is his final route into golf’s elite stage, and one he approaches with purpose.
“I’m coming into Promotions with a really strong mindset,” Tabuena said. “Missing out in the Rankings race hurt, but it also motivated me. I know what’s at stake, and I know I can compete with anyone in that field. It’s about staying patient, staying focused, and trusting the game that got me here.”
That motivation comes directly from the intensity of the series finale at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, where the 31-year-old came agonisingly close to breaking into the top two.
Reflecting on the final round, Tabuena admitted he felt on the brink of a breakthrough. A hot start had him firmly in contention, but costly mistakes on the demanding back nine left him two shots short of the promotion places.
“It stings,” Tabuena admitted. “You work all year for these moments, and I felt like I was right there. I fought until the last hole, and I’m proud of that. That’s golf.”
Despite the disappointment, Tabuena left Saudi Arabia with immense pride. His historic wire-to-wire victory at International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus in October, in front of home fans, stands as one of the breakthrough moments of the season. Consistent, composed, and fearless, he ultimately closed the year third in the Rankings, his highest career finish.
“This season has been a highlight of my career,” he said. “Winning in the Philippines… that meant everything. To be in the mix all year for the LIV spots shows how far my game has come.”
He added that the season’s pressure-filled moments have sharpened him for exactly this challenge.
“This year taught me how to handle pressure at the highest level. Promotions will be no different. I’m ready to give everything I have.”
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.
