Tabuena vows to work harder

MANILA, Philippines - Miguel Tabuena, the newly-crowned Philippine Open champion and winner of his first Asian Tour title is not letting up even during the holidays.

“I have to work harder,” said Tabuena during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Last Sunday, at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac, the 21-year-old ruled the 98th edition of the country’s most prestigious golf tournament.

After a few heartaches, he finally won on the Asian Tour.

“I’ve come close many times. Luckily I won last week,” said Tabuena, accompanied to the forum his father, Philippine Golf Tour manager Luigi Tabuena.

The former star of Philippine junior golf worked hard all year, competing in 23 tournaments, 15 of them overseas. The victory at Luisita was the cherry on the cake.

He’s hoping to vie for more in 2016.

During the forum, he listed down the events he wants to join next year, kicking off with the Singapore Open on Jan. 28 then the $3 million Malaysian Open in February.

“I will join more tournaments next year. Now, I know I can do it,” said Tabuena, armed with a one-year exemption on the Asian Tour.

He’s also eyeing the Rio Olympics in August.

With his latest win, Tabuena moved up to No. 48 in the International Golf Federation Olympic rankings, and if he holds on to a top 60 spot until July, he qualifies to the Olympics.

“I hope I can make it. I’m joining bigger tournaments next year so I can earn more points,” said Tabuena.

As a golfer, making it to the Olympics will be a dream come true.

“I never thought I can have the opportunity to represent the country in the Olympics. It’s a chance to compete against the best in the world,” said Tabuena.

“It would mean the world to me,” he said.