Top golfers launch bid in $2-M International Series Philippines

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — Time to get into the swing of things in the largest golf event on local soil in decades.

Major winners, PGA Tour titlists, Asian Tour victors, homegrown and foreign aces with compelling storylines and strong motivation to succeed launch their bid in the $2-million International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus on Thursday at the Sta. Elena Golf Club.

Right smack in the action is top local bet Miguel Tabuena, who tees off from No. 1 with American two-time major champion and former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson and South African major winner Louis Oosthuizen in a dream flight at 11:40 a.m.

“This is what I have been dreaming of — to play in my home country with the best players,” said Mr. Tabuena of his pairing with Mr. Johnson, winner of the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters Tournament, and Mr. Oosthuizen, titlist in the 2010 Open Championship.

This marquee group is expected to draw a large crowd that’s raring to see Mr. Tabuena go toe-to-toe with the decorated golfers at his “home club.”

“You always want to perform well in your home country, but still, you have to treat it like any other event,” said Mr. Tabuena while downplaying his perceived advantage on the Robert Trent Jones-designed course.

“These guys are major winners, and they’ll adapt to anything, right? So I guess course knowledge isn’t such a big factor this week. But you know, I’m going to give it my best shot and keep that Philippine flag on top of the leaderboard.”

There are several other big names worth following as they strut their stuff at the layout that winds through natural lakes, rolling fairways and native trees with views of Mt. Makiling and the Sierra Madre.

Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters titlist, is out to carry over his triumph at LIV Golf Dallas and runner-up finish at the International Series Macau. The 46th ranked American goes up against Dean Burmester and John Catlin at 11:30 a.m.

South African Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters conqueror, faces Wade Ormsby and Jinichiro Kozuma at 11:50 a.m.

Joining Mr. Tabuena in carrying Pinoys’ fight are Angelo Que, Justin Quiban, Aidric Chan, Sean Ramos, Keanu Jahns, Carl Corpus, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Enrico Gallardo and amateur Perry Bucay.

“I’m feeling pretty confident this week. I’ve been in good form for the past six months, finishing in the top three almost every time I’ve played locally,” said the 46-year-old Mr. Que. “However, I haven’t been performing as well abroad. Luckily, the International Series is here in the Philippines this week, so hopefully, I can continue that good form and compete against the best.”

For young guns like Mr. Chan, 24, this is a rare opportunity to learn from the likes of Messrs. Johnson and Reed and gauge where he’s at.

“I’m really excited. It’s something we all look forward to. Not many golfers get the chance to compete with Major champions — players we grew up watching,” said Mr. Chan. “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.” — Olmin Leyba