By Randy Caluag via Let’s Golf Pare
Images from Let’s Golf Pare
STA. ELENA, Laguna — The fairways of Sta. Elena Golf Club have never been this alive.
A record-breaking crowd packed the course for the opening days of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, transforming the normally tranquil championship layout into a vibrant arena of cheers, color, and energy rarely seen in Philippine golf.
From an already impressive opening-day turnout to an even larger Day 2 audience, organizers now expect as many as 6,000 spectators per day over the weekend — a figure that would mark the largest attendance in the history of Philippine golf tournaments.
“This is a celebration not just of golf, but of how far the sport has come in the Philippines,” said one event official, awed by the sea of fans lining every hole. “We’re witnessing history.”
The home crowd had every reason to be loud. Miguel Tabuena, Justin Quiban, and Angelo Que kept the local charge alive, flying the Philippine flag high on the leaderboard heading into the decisive rounds.
Adding to the buzz, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed remains well within striking distance of the leaders, setting up a thrilling weekend showdown between some of Asia’s best and the game’s global stars.
The surging interest has also underscored the impact of the Department of Tourism’s Golf Tourism Program and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), whose collaboration helped bring the event to life. The initiative has positioned the Philippines as an emerging destination on Asia’s growing golf circuit.
With perfect weather, world-class competition, and fans showing up in record numbers, the International Series Philippines has evolved into more than just a tournament — it’s a statement.
Golf in the Philippines has truly arrived — and the roaring galleries at Sta. Elena are living proof.
