‘Great for growth of the game’
When Dustin Johnson steps onto a golf course, eyes follow.
The former world No. 1 and two-time Major champion has long been one of golf’s biggest names — and now, his arrival in the Philippines for the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus is adding another dimension to his global legacy: helping grow the game in new corners of the world.
This week’s stop and final day at Sta. Elena Golf Club marks Johnson’s first appearance on The International Series this season, and the 4Aces GC captain from LIV Golf says he’s thrilled to be part of a movement that’s making golf more global than ever.
“I think growing the game is very important,” Johnson said. “LIV Golf has done a great job leading that effort, and The International Series and Asian Tour are helping expand golf’s reach by playing all over the world — bringing it to places a lot of golfers have never been to. I think this is great for the game. Golf is growing a lot, and playing in places like this really helps.”
Johnson joins an elite field headlined by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and a strong lineup of Filipino stars led by Miguel Tabuena, whose presence promises a mix of world-class competition and homegrown pride.
The event’s timing couldn’t be better.
The Philippines’ golf scene has been on a steady rise, with young talents and passionate fans driving momentum. Johnson’s participation not only adds global prestige but also signals how much the country is now on the sport’s international radar.
For Johnson, now 41, this week also represents a personal milestone.
Since turning pro in 2008, he has captured at least one victory nearly every season — a streak that underscores his consistency and competitive fire. Yet, 2025 has been a rare year without a title so far, with his best finish being third at LIV Golf Indianapolis, the final event of the regular season.
Still, true to form, Johnson is taking it in stride — focused not just on wins, but on what his presence can mean for the game itself.
“Every time I travel to a new place and see how much people love golf, it reminds me why we play,” he said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation and showing that golf really is a game for everyone.”
As the International Series Philippines heats up into the final day today at the lush fairways of Sta. Elena, fans have more than just a tournament to look forward to — they have a glimpse into golf’s exciting, borderless future, one where champions like Dustin Johnson are helping the sport thrive far beyond its traditional strongholds.
