Hiroshi Tai will make his highly anticipated debut in the professional games this week – at the Philippine Open presented by Philippine Sports Commission.

The Singaporean has been a star performer in the amateur game over the past few years, hitting global headlines two years ago when he won the individual title at the prestigious NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship. However, he has chosen this week to embark on what he hopes will be an equally successful journey as a Tour professional.

This week’s US$1million tournament is the season-ending event on the Asian Tour and is the perfect first tournament for the 23-year-old. It commences on Thursday at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club.

He said: “Since I’ve graduated from college, turning professional is the logical next step for my golf career. I feel ready and excited to continue my journey.”

Hiroshi Tai after winning the NCAA Division 1 Championship in 2024. Picture by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images.

His victory in the NCAA Championship was the first by an Asian in the tournament’s 127-year history, and earned him starts in The Open that year, and the following year’s Masters Tournament.

He played for Georgia Tech in the US, one of the country’s leading golf colleges, and also represented Singapore in some of the world’s premier team tournaments, such as this year’s Asian Games and the Eisenhower Trophy on multiple occasions.

“I hope to earn my tour card somewhere soon and continue to improve my golf,” said Tai.

“It is a great opportunity for me to play in a tour event and compete against really good players. My ultimate goal is to make it onto the PGA Tour and play in the Majors.”

Main picture: Hiroshi Tai. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.