International Series Philippines: Major champs eye domination as home bets hopes aim to break through

For the next five days, the sport’s brightest parbusters led by two-time major winner Dustin Johnson and fellow major champions Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen will be in town to strut their stuff at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna in a battle royale for top honors.

STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — The International Series Philippines blasts off Thursday, October 23, at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the game’s global giants and the country’s most promising talents.

At the heart of this $2-million championship lies a compelling narrative: the collision of decorated champions and hungry underdogs, a classic case of power and pedigree facing off against pride and passion.

Among those drawing the spotlight is Miguel Tabuena, the country’s top golfing export. A two-time Philippine Open champion and seasoned international campaigner, Tabuena finds himself in rarefied company, grouped alongside two of the sport’s most recognizable names — Dustin Johnson, the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters champion, and Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open Championship winner.

It’s a career-first for Tabuena, teeing it up directly against a former world No. 1 and No. 4, and while the mere thought may rattle even the most seasoned of nerves, the Filipino ace is channeling the moment into motivation.

“It means a lot,” said Tabuena. “This is what I have been dreaming off, to play in my home country with the best players.”

Their highly anticipated clash begins at 11:40 a.m. off the first tee, marking one of the marquee matchups of the opening round in what’s billed as one of the most star-studded golf events ever staged in the country.

For the elite international cast, including Patrick Reed, another Masters champion (2018) who’s in top form following a win at LIV Golf Dallas and a runner-up finish at the International Series Macao, the mission is clear: conquer Sta. Elena, and solidify their path to next season’s LIV Golf League.

Reed, the highest-ranked player in the field this week at No. 46, kicks off his bid just ahead of the Tabuena-Johnson-Oosthuizen trio, alongside Dean Burmester and John Catlin forming yet another star-packed group for fans to follow.

And then there’s Johnson — a name synonymous with distance and dominance. The long-hitting American, who once held the world No. 1 spot for 64 consecutive weeks, is expected to treat Sta. Elena’s long par-4s and reachable par-5s as his personal playground.

With the course meticulously prepped to championship standards, Sta. Elena promises to offer a true test – but for players of Johnson and Oosthuizen’s caliber, even the sternest challenges can be dissected with clinical precision.

“There’s nothing like seeing how major champions strategize and execute up close,” said a former Filipino pro. “They bring an entirely different level of consistency and mental strength.”

While the spotlight may shine brightest on the visiting stars, local hopefuls are determined to rise above the shadows and put on a show of their own.

Keanu Jahns, enjoying a stellar season on the Philippine Golf Tour with two wins and a couple of top finishes, leads off the action at 6 a.m., hoping to set the tone against China’s Zihao Jin and Thailand’s Sinsrang Witchayapat.

Carl Corpus, Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Justin Quiban and veteran Angelo Que — all familiar names in the Philippine golf circuit — will also be gunning for strong starts. Their mission? To not only make the cut, but to contend and perhaps even shake up the leaderboard.

Jitters are natural. After all, many of these players grew up watching the likes of Johnson and Reed on TV. But with home-soil knowledge, crowd support and a fearless mindset, the locals are embracing the challenge.

Tabuena, in particular, made the decision to withdraw from the Macao Open after an opening-round 72 — an intentional move to focus all energies on this week’s massive task.

As excitement grips Sta. Elena and anticipation builds among fans and players alike, the International Series Philippines is shaping up to be more than just a tournament – it’s a moment of reckoning, a celebration of golf’s global appeal, and a test of heart, talent and resolve.

While the odds favor the major winners, golf’s unpredictability leaves room for surprises. A single round can shift momentum. A bold putt, a brave approach or a magical recovery shot can tilt the scales.

One thing is certain: history is in the making at Sta. Elena.