By finishing third on the Rankings – only the top two made it through – he earned direct exemption into Round 2 of LIV Golf Promotions. The high-pressure event tees off tomorrow at Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club in Florida – where two more LIV Golf League places are on the line.

It is Tabuena’s final route into golf’s elite stage, and one he is approaching with purpose.

“I’m coming into Promotions with a really strong mindset,” Tabuena said. “Missing out in the Rankings race hurt, but it also motivated me. I know what’s at stake, and I know I can compete with anyone in that field. It’s about staying patient, staying focused, and trusting the game that got me here.”

That motivation comes directly from the intensity of the series finale at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, where the 31-year-old came agonisingly close to breaking into the top two. If he had finished two shots better he would have dislodged Japan’s Yosuke Asaji from second place.

Reflecting on the final round, Tabuena admitted he felt on the brink of a breakthrough. A hot start had him firmly in contention, but costly mistakes on the demanding back nine saw him just fall short.

“It stings,” Tabuena admitted. “You work all year for these moments, and I felt like I was right there. I fought until the last hole, and I’m proud of that. That’s golf.”

Despite the disappointment, Tabuena left Saudi Arabia with immense pride. His historic wire-to-wire victory at International Series Philippines in October, in front of home fans, stands as one of the breakthrough moments of the season. Consistent, composed, and fearless, he ultimately closed the year with a career-best finish on the Rankings.

“The season was a highlight of my career,” he said. “Winning in the Philippines… that meant everything. To be in the mix all year for the LIV spots shows how far my game has come.”

He added that the season’s pressure-filled moments have sharpened him for exactly this challenge.

“This year taught me how to handle pressure at the highest level. Promotions will be no different. I’m ready to give everything I have.”

The International Series are 10 upper-tier events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway on to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings. Zimbabwean Scott Vincent finished first last year for the second time in his career. He also topped the Rankings in 2022 – the inaugural year of LIV Golf.