PSC-Supported Philippine Golf Championship Named Asian Tour Season Opener
Tournament officials have officially confirmed that the Philippine Golf Championship presented by the Philippine Sports Commission will serve as the inaugural event of the 2026 Asian Tour season. This newly designated competition represents a significant development for Philippine golf, backed by elevated support from the country's premier sports governing body.
Tournament Details and Venue
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place at the renowned Wack Wack Golf & Country Club from February 5 to 8, 2026. With a substantial prize purse of US$500,000, the event has already secured BingoPlus as an Official Sponsor, further expanding their growing portfolio of golf sponsorships. This tournament, originally known as the Philippine President's Trophy, now operates under the auspices of the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee (NST-IAC).
Leadership Vision and National Impact
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who also chairs the NST-IAC, emphasized the strategic importance of hosting world-class sports tourism events. "If we can host and organize world-class sports tourism events every month, we will do it—from WTA tennis to the Asian Tour," Gregorio stated. "These events make the country proud. They make the city proud. They make Filipino athletes proud, and they inspire our youth to aspire."
Gregorio further highlighted golf's integral role in this national strategy, noting the commission's collaboration with the National Golf Association of the Philippines. "When international athletes visit the Philippines, they don't just compete, they experience our culture and embrace our spirit," he added, underscoring the broader cultural exchange facilitated by such tournaments.
Star-Studded International Field
The tournament will feature an exceptional lineup of golfing talent, headlined by Miguel Tabuena, the standard-bearer of Philippine golf, who has confirmed his participation following a brilliant 2025 season. The international contingent includes:
- John Catlin (USA) - 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion
- Sihwan Kim (USA) and Jazz Janewattananond (Thailand) - former number one ranked players
- Taichi Kho (Hong Kong) - current Hong Kong number one
- Lee Chieh-po (Chinese-Taipei) - regional golf ace
Additional notable participants include Thailand's Suteepat Prateeptienchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner over the past two years, along with five other champions from last season: Sadom Kaewkanjana, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Poosit Supupramai, and Ekpharit Wu from Thailand, plus Germany's Dominic Foos. The field gains further depth with Tawit Polthai from Thailand, last year's Asian Development Tour Order of Merit champion, and China's Lin Yuxin, the Qualifying School winner. Nearly all 35 players who graduated from the School have entered the competition.
Corporate Partnership and Digital Engagement
For BingoPlus, this tournament represents another strategic opportunity to connect with the golf community, building on their successful presentation of last year's International Series Philippines. Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc., explained their commitment: "Through this partnership, BingoPlus, alongside our parent company DigiPlus, shows its strong commitment and reaffirms its support in sports—bridging the gap and making it more reachable and accessible to aspiring local athletes out there."
Vicencio continued: "As DigiPlus remains the leading digital entertainment platform, it aims to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The tournament is expected to have a world-class experience, draw golf fans and media attention as all eyes will be on Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in the first week of February."
Tabuena's Momentum and LIV Golf Aspirations
Miguel Tabuena enters the tournament with considerable momentum, having won last year's International Series Philippines and finishing third on both the Asian Tour Merit list and The International Series Rankings. The Filipino golfer came agonizingly close to earning a coveted spot on the LIV Golf League, which goes to the top two finishers on The International Series Rankings. Had Tabuena finished just two shots better at the final counting event, he would have displaced Japan's Yosuke Asaji from second position.
With the Asian Tour season opening on home territory, Tabuena now has the perfect opportunity to build upon last year's successes and pursue even greater achievements in the 2026 season.
Broader Implications for Philippine Sports
The inclusion of the Philippines on the Asian Tour calendar creates significant opportunities to enhance local golf development while boosting the nation's sports tourism industry. This tournament represents more than just a sporting event—it serves as a platform for international exposure, athlete development, and national pride. As the country continues to establish itself as a premier destination for world-class sporting competitions, events like the Philippine Golf Championship contribute substantially to both athletic excellence and economic growth through sports tourism.
