NEWS GOLF Philippine President’s Trofeo-

by@PatriziaPierbattista -By@Mirella Pierbattista-By AVV.Elisa Nardocci   

For the second year in succession the Philippines will enjoy the distinction of hosting the opening event of the season on the Asian Tour when he it stages the Philippine President’s Trophy next month.

The inaugural event will be played on the famously treacherous East Course at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club [main picture], in Manila – from 5-8 February.

Offering a total prize purse of US$500,000, the event underscores the growing partnership between the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) – the sport’s governing body in the country – and the Asian Tour.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the tournament comes hot on the heels of a landmark year for Philippine golf.

The country’s number one golfer Miguel Tabuena claimed the International Series Philippines – for one of the nation’s greatest sporting triumphs – plus Aidric Chan and Carl Jano Corpus triumphed on the Asian Development Tour.

The introduction of the Philippine President’s Trophy is viewed as another major step in reinforcing the nation’s position as a regional golfing powerhouse.

Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “The Asian Tour is absolutely delighted to confirm the Philippine President’s Trophy will raise the curtain on our 2026 season. It is phenomenal for us to start the new season with a brand-new event in one of our most popular destinations”

“We started last year strongly in Manila as well, at the Philippine Open, and it will be with great enthusiasm that we return there in just over three weeks, to commence what will be another season of great promise and opportunity.

“We thank our friends at the NGAP for their support and commitment, and we also welcome the return to Wack Wack – a special venue, full of memories and where par is to be respected.”

The tournament carries the official endorsement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and represents a modern revival of one of the country’s most prestigious sporting traditions.

The President’s Trophy traces its heritage to the historic President’s Cup, once regarded as one of Philippine golf’s four Majors alongside the Philippine Open, Philippine Masters, and National PGA Championship.

“Working closely with the Asian Tour, we are proud to showcase our players, our courses, and our capability to stage world-class events,” said NGAP Chairman Al Panlilio.

“This tournament not only honors our rich golfing heritage but also inspires the next generation of Filipino golfers.”

The field will comprise 144 players, including 97 Asian Tour members, 25 Philippine professionals, 16 invited players, and six national amateurs – ensuring strong local representation alongside the region’s leading professionals.

“Hosting the season opener of the Asian Tour for the second straight year reflects the confidence the international sporting community has in the Philippines,” commented PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“The Philippine President’s Trophy aligns perfectly with our vision of using major events to inspire excellence, elevate Filipino athletes and strengthen the country’s sports tourism and global sporting profile,” added Gregorio.

The Philippine President’s Trophy is the latest marquee sporting event to land in the country, adding to an impressive calendar that last year included the FIVB Men’s World Cup, the Futsal World Cup, the World Junior Gymnastics Championships, and a premier international windsurfing classic.

These high-profile events underscore the Philippines’ growing stature as a global host and align squarely with the government’s sports tourism push, spearheaded by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), which is under the leadership of Gregorio as its Chairman.

“The Filipino golfers can compete against the world’s best, and we have proven that time and again. The Philippines as a golf destination is likewise comparable with the world’s best,” added Gregorio.

“Golf will be one of the pillars of our sports tourism efforts. The PSC and NST-IAC will work closely with NGAP to make sure we are successful.”

The Asian Tour last visited Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in 2014 for the Philippine Open, when Australia’s Marcus Both claimed victory on the East Course.

The venue also holds a special place in golfing history, having hosted the 1977 World Cup of Golf, where Spain’s Seve Ballesteros and Antonio Garrido successfully defended their title.

Filipino icons Ben Arda and Rudy Lavares finished runners-up, while South African legend Gary Player captured individual honors.

With history, prestige, and momentum firmly aligned, the Philippine President’s Trophy is poised to deliver a fitting and compelling start to the Asian Tour’s new season.