A decade after it was last played on the Asian Tour, the Philippine Open makes a triumphant return to the schedule this week as the opening event of the season, boasting an outstanding field to celebrate the occasion and an exciting new title sponsor, Smart Infinity.

The country’s top golfer Miguel Tabuena is the player on everyone’s lips here at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, as he bids to win the event for a third time off the back of an impressive 2024 season.

The field is rich in talent, from top to bottom, and includes five former winners: Tabuena (2015 and 2018), England’s Steve Lewton (2017), plus Filipinos Clyde Mondilla (2019), Angelo Que (2008) and Gerald Rosales (2000).

Three past Asian Tour Order of Merit champions are competing, in American Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019) from Thailand, and Liang Wenchong, the veteran Chinese golfer, now aged 46, who was the Tour’s top player back in 2007.

Steve Lewton. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Another familiar veteran Anthony Lascuna – winner of last year’s Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit at the tender age of 53 thanks to two wins that added to his remarkable overall tally of 26 – is also competing.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, who spent the last two seasons playing on the LIV Golf League by virtue of winning The International Series Rankings in 2022, has also made the trip.

And the next generation of Philippine golfers will also be on display with two of the nation’s talented teenagers playing: Zues Sara, winner of last year’s Philippine Open Amateur and Rianne Malixi – who hit global headlines last season after becoming only the second golfer to win both the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in the same year.

The return of the tournament on the regional stage and its status as one of the oldest National Opens in the game – it was first played in 1913 – were just two of the reasons why Smart Infinity, a leader in telecommunications and digital innovation, chose to form such an important relationship with the event.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Philippine Open, a tournament that has long been a symbol of excellence and sportsmanship,” said Kristine Go, Senior Vice President, Head of Prepaid, Postpaid, and Fixed Wireless for Smart Communications, Inc.  “As we continue to connect people and communities, this partnership underscores our commitment to supporting sports and fostering talent on both local and international stages.”

Angelo Que. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Al Panlilio, Chairman of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, added: “Having Smart Infinity as our title sponsor elevates the stature of the Philippine Open. Together, we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and the golfing community.”

This year marks the fifth time Manila Southwoods has hosted the National Open. The other occasions were in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1999. American Anthony Kang, now part of the Asian Tour television commentary team, triumphed in 1999.

The event, which boasts prizemoney of US$500,000, is being played on the Masters Course.

The tournament has been played three times since 2015 but as event on the domestic circuit.