Tabuena, five other Filipino golfers miss cut in International Series Japan

The Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena plays a shot during the final round of the International Series Philippines golf tournament at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna province on October 26, 2025.

Ted Aljibe / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — It was anything but a “Good Friday” for the Filipino contingent, as all six bets — including Miguel Tabuena — missed the cut in the International Series Japan at Caledonian Golf Club, raising concerns about the current level of Philippine golf on the Asian stage.

Tabuena, who rallied late for a 71 in the opening round, appeared headed for a weekend berth after a strong frontside charge highlighted by two birdies and an eagle over a five-hole stretch starting at No. 2. However, costly bogeys on his final two holes saw him miss the Top 65 cutoff by two strokes, finishing at tied 80th with one-over 143.

Starting at the back nine, the International Series Philippines champion struggled early with bogeys on Nos. 10, 12, and 17, slipping below the projected cut line. He briefly regained momentum with a birdie on No. 18 but gave the stroke back on No. 1.

Facing elimination, Tabuena mounted a comeback with birdies on Nos. 2 and 3, steady pars on the next holes, and a crucial eagle on the par-5 sixth to move back into contention. But after a routine par on No. 7, he faltered down the stretch — missing fairways and greens on the final two holes and carding back-to-back bogeys in an uncharacteristic finish for a player known for thriving under pressure.

The rest of the Filipino campaigners also struggled. Sean Ramos followed up an opening 73 with another two-over round for a 146 total in a tie at 125th with Lloyd Go, who carded a 73, while Aidric Chan fell back with a 76 to join the 149 group at joint 132nd, alongside Justin Quiban and Carl Corpus, who posted 73 and 77, respectively.

At the top of the leaderboard, Hongtaek Kim maintained his lead despite a slower 67 following an opening 64, holding a 131 aggregate—one shot ahead of Shugo Imahira and Karandeep Kochhar, who both stood at 132 after matching 65s. Four others, including Yubin Jang, who fired a 73, lurked at 133, setting up a tightly contested weekend battle.

It was a disappointing showing for the Filipino golfers, who entered the $2-million event with high expectations of contending or at least delivering strong finishes. Tabuena, in particular, came in with boosted confidence following his stint in the LIV Golf League, but the results ultimately fell short of expectations.