Prom, Tabuena head elite cast in RWM Masters

MANILA, Philippines - Thai star Prom Meesawat and local ace Miguel Tabuena gear up for a fierce battle against the region’s top shotmakers as they headline the elite field in the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters set next month at Manila Southwoods’ Masters Course.

Meesawat, a two-time Asian Tour champion, is out to finally nail the elusive win in the upcoming event set Nov. 19-22 after coming close in the last two editions of the country’s richest tournament with a runner-up and third place finishes.

“It will be good to go back to Manila Southwoods for the Resorts World Manila Masters. I’ve had two good finishes in the first two years, losing in a play-off in 2013 and then coming in third last year,” said Meesawat.

“I remember shooting my best ever score there in the third round with a 63 pushing me up the leaderboard but Mardan (Mamat) played really good to win it,” said Meesawat. “But it’s always good to go back to a golf course where you’ve done well before. I like the greens at Southwoods as I feel really comfortable on the Bermuda surfaces.”

Tabuena, on the other hand, has enjoyed a strong season on the domestic circuit, winning the Order of Merit after racking up four victories this year. He is now eager to translate his home form into the Asian Tour in his bid to land a first career title.

“I’ve been playing some good golf on the local tour. I’ve won a few events and also the Order of Merit title. I think I’ve gained through my experience,” said the 21-year-old Tabuena.

He is also hitting form at the right time as the Asian Tour heads into its tail-end of the season. Tabuena finished second in the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship and wound up seventh at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters to all but seal his 2016 card.

Becoming the first Filipino to win the Resorts World Manila Masters will be a dream come true.

“It’s a very good event to have back home, especially when it comes with a $1 million prize fund,” said Tabuena, ranked 30th on the Asian Tour’s Merit list.

“It’s a good chance to make a move on the Asian Tour’s rankings. It’ll be a good opportunity for the local players to have the experience of competing against top players from Asia and hopefully, we can take full advantage of our home event. It’ll be a good tournament to win,” he added.

Mamat, meanwhile, has already confirmed his defense of the crown along with the other region’s leading players and top local shotmakers, including Angelo Que and Tony Lascuña.

The event is backed by Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Marriott, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, IGT Asia Pte Ldt, Fuji Xerox, Konami, Levelwear, Mitsubishi Motors, RGD LTD, Net Pacific, Inc, and Glenmorangie.