Tabuena eyes 1st Asian Tour win in RWM Masters

MANILA, Philippines - Teen sensation Miguel Tabuena, toughened with experience in his recent stint at the US PGA Qualifying School, is aiming for a maiden win on the Asian Tour as he joins the inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters.

The US$750,000 event will be played at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club Nov. 14-17 and will feature leading players from the Philippine Golf Tour.

“Yes, I learned a lot from the Q-School even though it was not the result that I wanted.  If I made it through that Stage 1, I would have missed the RWM Masters.  So maybe, it’s my time,” Tabuena said.

Tabuena, whose best finish was fourth place at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2011, also said that he’s been playing well lately but still trying to improve especially now that he has Rick Gibson as swing coach.

Aside from Tabuena, Angelo Que and Antonio Lascuna are pre-tournament favorites to spearhead the local charge before they represent the Philippines at the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf later this month.

The top Filipino pros will up against an international mix of players from over 22 countries, including Chinese Taipei veteran Lin Wen-tang, who is targeting a second win in the Philippines.

The 39-year-old,  who won in the Philippines in April this year, is determined to prove his worth again as he seeks to win his seventh title on the region’s premier Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season this year.

“Before my win in April, I never had good memories of the Philippines. I missed out on my first win in the Philippines back in 2008 and I never played much in the country since then. Winning in April definitely makes me like the country more,” said Lin.

“I’m really excited to go back to the Philippines again. It’s good to see new events coming on board the Asian Tour. I hope this tournament can continue to grow in future,” added Lin.

To further develop the game of golf in the Philippines, 30 spots will be given to players from the ever-growing PGT to compete against the region’s best at the Resorts World Manila Masters.

 As the sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour believes that partnering the PGT is important to help grow the game locally, especially with golf returning into the Olympics in 2016.