Ikemura eyes first Asian Tour title at Smart Infinity Philippine Open
January 25: Tomoyo Ikemura (main picture) moved to within 18 holes of winning his maiden title on the Asian Tour with a last-hole birdie in a round of three-under-par 67 to capture sole possession of the lead after the third round of the US$500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open.
In the season-opening event of the 2025 Asian Tour schedule, being played at the Masters Course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, the 29-year-old Japanese golfer from Kagoshima, who is eight-under, finished one ahead of Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana.
Sadom (72), the leader at the halfway stage, overcame a mid-round wobble and finished strong with birdies on his last two holes to stay one ahead of a group of five players. That included Thailand’s Danthai Boonma, who set a new course record with a brilliant bogey-free round of 62.
Other players in tied third place are Swede Bjorn Hellgren (66), Frenchman Julian Sale (67), Bowen Xiao (67) of China and Australian Kevin Yuan (68).
Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Ikemura, a two-time champion on the Japan Golf Tour whose best finish on the Asian Tour are a couple of tied second places at the 2018 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open and the 2023 New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport, was cruising at five-under when he made a double bogey on the par-four 12th hole, followed by a bogey on the 15th. However, the five birdies in seven holes from the eighth to 14th, and another on the par-five 18th, ensured he moved to the top of the leaderboard.
“My hitting was really good, but there were a few unlucky shots as well. I hit it in the trees on the 12th hole and got an unplayable lie, but other than that it was a good day,” said the diminutive Ikemura, who played nine events on the Asian Tour last year and finished 53rd in the Order of Merit.
“I’ve been in contention a few times, but I couldn’t win last year in Japan or in Asia. So, my goal this year is to win in Asia. I’ve worked hard over the off-season. I am working towards a new goal this year, to qualify for LIV Golf. A win would be a good start to the year.”
The 26-year-old Sadom, who has been a picture of consistency the first two days and made his first bogey after 28 holes, made two bogeys and a double in successive holes after starting with four pars in a row. The two birdies towards the end put the smile back on his face.
Danthai Boonma of Thailand. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
“I felt a bit nervous at the start, but everything was good until I hit my shot into the greenside bunker on the fifth hole and made a bogey,” said the two-time winner on the Asian Tour.
“I guess I lost confidence a little bit after that, but I tried hard on the back nine and I am happy I could do well on the back nine.
“A win would mean a lot, because I really worked hard for the past couple of years, and I now have a chance. Tomorrow, my gameplan will depend on the wind. I think today the wind changed, which was the reason I lost confidence with my tee shots. If it’s a similar direction wind like the first two rounds, maybe, I can play the same way as I did the first two days.”
Boonma, who was only one of two players bogey-free on the challenging opening day, made four birdies on either sides of the golf course and was again without a bogey.
“Nothing to complain about today… bogey-free 62 is as good as it gets,” said the Thai star. “I think I controlled myself really well today. I just felt more comfortable than yesterday because I think I had no expectations today.
“The key was that I started really well. I started on hole 10, and I made birdies on 11, 12, and 13, so it made me more confident.”
The Asian Tour heads to the International Series India presented by DLF next week. The US$2 million event is being played at DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram at the outskirts of the capital New Delhi.
January 24: Sadom Kaewkanjana birdied two of his last three holes to extend his lead to three shots at the halfway stage of the US$500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open, the season-opening event of the 2025 Asian Tour schedule.
The 26-year-old from Thailand took his battle against the demanding Masters Course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club to 28 holes without making a bogey before dropping two shots on the 11th and 15th holes. However, birdies on the 16th and 18th gave him a four-under-par 66 card and he tallied nine-under 131 for the 36 holes.
That gave him a three-shot advantage over Korean-American Micah Shin (65), who is making a return to competitive golf following a hip injury that kept him away for the whole year after withdrawing from the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund in December 2023.
Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura (66) and Australian Aaron Wilkin (69) were tied for third place at five-under 135, one ahead of a group of five players that included Australians Travis Smyth (66) and Kevin Yuan (66), Ian Snyman (68) of South Africa, Jaewoong Eom (68) of Korea and Thai Charng-Tai Sudsom (67).
Micah Shin of the United States. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Local hero Justin Quiban shot a bogey-free 64 – the lowest round of the tournament so far – to make up for his disappointment in the opening round. At three-under 137, he was in tied 10th position and the best placed among the home players.
Playing the golf course for the first time, Sadom powered ahead with four birdies in his front nine and made his first bogey of the tournament on the 11th hole when his second shot from the rough caught a flier and flew the green.
“Today, I played solid, just like yesterday,” said the two-time Asian Tour champion. “I had a good start on the front nine, but I struggled on the back nine.
“I’m happy to come back with two birdies on the last three holes. Everything was working well and I’m very happy with my result today.
“The course is playing tough, especially on the holes that used to be par fives but changed to par fours for the tournament. Those two holes are tough. It’s just about hitting the fairway and then hitting on the green. And that’s what I hope to do tomorrow.”
Justin Quiban of the Philippines. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
The 28-year-old Shin showed his love for the Philippines once again by getting into contention. Born in the USA, he spent his growing years in Davao City in the south of the Philippines and won his first and only Asian Tour title when he triumphed at the 2017 Resort World Manila Masters at this week’s venue.
Although he moved to Korea during the COVID years, Shin showed once again how comfortable he is in the Philippines. On Friday, he started from the first hole with a birdie before dropping a shot on the par-three fifth hole. Once he birdied the eighth, he did all his scoring over the last 10 holes.
“I had a problem with my hip… it’s called a hip impingement or something like that. The bone grew and I had to get surgery done on that,” said Shin.
“I am not 100 per cent fit still. So, I’m actually happy that I finished my round like this. But who knows what will happen.”
On returning to Manila Southwoods, he said: “It feels nice to be back, but it feels really different too. They have changed some holes.
“I wasn’t really hitting it too good yesterday, so I was actually kind of worried about my round today. I was trying to figure out my swing with my caddy. I was just focusing on my tempo and rhythm and stuff and I started hitting a little better.”
Quiban, a regular at Manila Southwoods, started from the 10th tee and finished strong with a birdie on the seventh hole before his eagle on the eighth.
“I was pretty much flawless from tee to green,” said Quiban, looking for his first win on the Asian Tour.
“Yesterday, I wasn’t really hitting my drives properly, I wasn’t really getting into the right positions. I just worked on the driver after my round and that carried on today. I just missed one fairway and had perfect looks to the pins, and I was actually draining my putts too.”
The cut was applied at two-over 142, with 67 players making it to the weekend.
January 24: Micah Shin (main picture) showed his love for the Philippines once again when he grabbed the clubhouse lead at the halfway stage on day two of the US$500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open, the season-opening event of the 2025 Asian Tour schedule.
The 28-year-old Korean-American is making a return to competitive golf following a hip injury that kept him away for the whole year after withdrawing from the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund in December 2023.
On Friday, Shin made seven birdies in a round of five-under-par 65 to move to six-under-par 134 total after 36 holes, one ahead of Australian Aaron Wilkin (69).
Local hero Justin Quiban shot a bogey-free 64 – the lowest round of the tournament so far – to make up for his disappointment in the opening round. It helped him get to three-under 137 and in tied seventh place before the afternoon players took on the challenging Masters Course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club.
Another player making a significant move was Australian Travis Smyth (66), who climbed up to tied fourth place at four-under alongside compatriot Kevin Yuan (66) and South Africa’s Ian Snyman (68). Both Yuan and Snyman did not drop a shot during the round.
Justin Quiban of the Philippines. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Shin was born in the USA but spent his growing years in Davao City in the south of the Philippines. He won his first and only Asian Tour title when he triumphed at the 2017 Resort World Manila Masters in the bustling capital of the country.
Although he moved to Korea during the COVID years, Shin showed once again how comfortable he is in the Philippines. On Friday, he started from the first hole with a birdie before dropping a shot on the par-three fifth hole. Once he birdied the eighth, he did all his scoring over the last 10 holes.
“I had a problem with my hip… it’s called a hip impingement or something like that. The bone grew and I had to get surgery done on that,” said Shin.
“I am not 100 per cent fit still. So, I’m actually happy that I finished my round like this. But, who knows what will happen.”
Shin’s last win also came at Manila Southwoods, and he added: “It feels nice to be back, but it feels really different too. They have changed some holes.
“I wasn’t really hitting it too good yesterday, so I was actually kind of worried about my round today. I was trying to figure out my swing with my caddy. I was just focusing on my tempo and rhythm and stuff and I started hitting a little better.
“I got a new putter this week and that’s been helping a lot as well.”
Aaron Wilkin of Australia. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Quiban, a regular at Manila Southwoods, started from the 10th tee and finished strong with a birdie on the seventh hole before his eagle on the eighth.
“I was pretty much flawless from tee to green,” said Quiban, looking for his first win on the Asian Tour. “Yesterday, I wasn’t really hitting my drives properly, I wasn’t really getting into the right positions. I just worked on the driver after my round and that carried on today. I just missed one fairway and had perfect looks to the pins, and I was actually draining my putts too.”
Wilkin, who made three monster putts for birdie from outside 50 feet yesterday, was having trouble with his putter and three-putted twice. But he knuckled down to make six birdies to get over a deflating double bogey on his seventh hole.
“Pretty happy with that, considering I had a few mishaps for the middle of the round,” said the 31-year-old, who lost in a sudden-death play-off in the Mandiri Indonesia Open last year.
“A couple three-putts and out of position a few times. I was struggling through the middle there. I was hitting decent golf shots but leaving myself in the wrong side of the hole, which made it harder. So, birdieing two out of the last three to get me on the path of the day…I will take it.”
January 23: Sadom Kaewkanjana shot one of only two bogey-free rounds on day one to grab sole possession of the lead in the US$500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open – the season-opening event of the 2025 Asian Tour schedule.
At the Masters course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, the 26-year-old Thai star made five birdies to finish one shot ahead of compatriots Danthai Boonma and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, and Australia’s Aaron Wilkin.
Danthai, playing alongside leading Filipina amateur star Rianne Malixi, the reigning US Girls and US Women’s Amateur Champion, celebrated his 29th birthday on Thursday in style and made four successive birdies around the turn from the eighth hole.
Indian Ajeetesh Sandhu, Yosuke Asaji from Japan, Swede Bjorn Hellgren and Thailand’s Settee Prakongvech, all teeing off in the morning groups, were tied fifth at 67.
Playing on a special invitation, the 17-year-old Malixi started with a 75. The top Filipino golfers were Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos, who both came in with cards of 68 and were in tied ninth place.
Danthai Boonma of Thailand. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Sadom, who is looking for his first win in almost three years after his 2022 SMBC Singapore Open triumph, put on a ball-striking masterclass as the wind picked up and made it difficult for the players to stop their balls on the firm greens.
Starting from the 10th hole, Sadom felt it was his second shot to the par-four 11th green that set up a short birdie putt, which told him it could be his day. He then picked up shots on the 14th, 17th, first and seventh holes.
“It was a solid day,” said the two-time champion on the Asian Tour. “I hit the ball really good and missed only one fairway and one green. It always feels great to start the season with a bogey-free round
“It was a very short off-season for us. I went to Korea for a holiday with my family and my girlfriend. Did not play much golf. So, I was not feeling very confident this week, but it all worked out well.”
Like Sadom, Danthai is also a two-time champion on the Asian Tour, and is looking for his first win since the 2022 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Bangladesh Open.
Aaron Wilkin of Australia. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
A consistent performer, he has focused on getting physically stronger during the off-season, and the move paid dividends.
“The wind picked up on our back nine and the conditions became difficult. I played well and everything was very solid today. I think all parts of my game were working well. It felt good to make the four successive birdies,” said Danthai.
On playing with Malixi, Danthai said: “She is an incredible player. I mean, the golf course is very long for a girl her age, but she hit some great shots.”
Wilkin, who narrowly lost out and finished tied second at the Mandiri Indonesia Open last year, wielded a hot putter and made a 60-foot monster putt to start his day on the 10th hole, and then made two more of similar length.
“Hit a few close and did not make any of those putts, but made some long ones. That helps,” said the 31-year-old, who has a new caddie on his bag for the season.
Pavit, who had the only other bogey-free round of the day, was delighted with his own effort.
“The wind was up and the greens are difficult to hold from the rough,” said Pavit, a two-time champion on the Asian Tour and a seven-time winner on Asian Development Tour.
“I’m very happy with my game today. I realised after I submitted my card that I only missed one fairway. It was a surprise. That’s really the key that made it easy for me today.”
On a day when there were plenty of magical shots, two holes-in-one and an eagle two were recorded on the opening competitive round of the season.
Korea’s Hyunho Rho aced the 13th hole with a six iron from 199 yards, while Philippines’ Alvin Engino struck a perfect seven iron from 173 yards on the 17th for his ace.
Sandhu, who carried on his form from the end of last season, when he won a tournament on the domestic PGTI Tour and then secured his playing rights on the Asian Tour through the final stage of the Qualifying School, made an eagle on the par-four ninth hole, where he holed out his nine-iron second shot from 135 yards.
Sadom Kaewkanjana shot the only bogey-free round among the morning wave of players in a five-under-par 65 to open a one-shot lead at the halfway stage on day one of the US$500,000 Smart Infinity Philippines Open, the season-opening event of the 2025 Asian Tour schedule.
At the Masters course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, the 26-year-old Thai star made five birdies to finish one ahead of compatriot and birthday boy Danthai Boonma (66), who made four successive birdies around the turn from the eighth hole in his round of 66. Danthai turned 29 on Thursday.
Indian Ajeetesh Sandhu, Yosuke Asaji from Japan, Swede Bjorn Hellgren and Thailand’s Settee Prakongvech were tied third in the clubhouse at 67.
Danthai played alongside leading Filipina amateur star Rianne Malixi, the reigning US Girls and US Women’s Amateur Champion. The 17-year-old, playing on a special invitation, started with a 75.
Danthai Boonma. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Sadom, who is looking for his first win in almost three years after his 2022 SMBC Singapore Open triumph, put on a ball-striking masterclass as the wind picked up and made it difficult for the players to stop their balls on the firm greens.
Starting from the 10th hole, Sadom felt it was his second shot to the par-four 11th green that set up a short birdie putt, which told him it could be his day. He then picked up shots on the 14th, 17th, first and seventh holes.
“It was a solid day,” said the two-time champion on the Asian Tour. “I hit the ball really good and missed only one fairway and one green. It always feels great to start the season with a bogey-free round
“It was a very short off-season for us. I went to Korea for a holiday with my family and my girlfriend. Did not play much golf. So, I was not feeling very confident this week, but it all worked out well.”
Like Sadom, Danthai is also a two-time champion on the Asian Tour, and is looking for his first win since the 2022 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Bangladesh Open.
A consistent performer, he has focused on getting physically stronger during the off-season, and the move paid dividends.
“The wind picked up on our back nine and the conditions became difficult. I played well and everything was very solid today. I think all parts of my game were working well. It felt good to make the four successive birdies,” said Danthai.
Ajeetesh Sandhu. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
On playing with Malixi, Danthai said: “She is an incredible player. I mean, the golf course is very long for a girl her age, but she hit some great shots.”
Sandhu carried on his form from the end of last season, when he won a tournament on the domestic PGTI Tour and then secured his playing rights on the Asian Tour through the final stage of the Qualifying School. His 67 included an eagle two on the par-four ninth hole, where he holed out his nine-iron second shot from 135 yards.
Steve Lewton has described his 2024 season as ‘bittersweet’ after the experience of winning his first title on the Asian Tour in a decade was offset by a disappointing closing stretch.
The Englishman won the Mandiri Indonesia Open in August but then didn’t push on as expected. He missed four out of eight cuts, with a best finish of joint 22nd.
“Yes, it was kind of bittersweet,” said Lewton, ahead of the Smart Infinity Philippine Open – which starts tomorrow at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club and is the season-opening event on the Asian Tour.
“Really nice to win again but I didn’t quite get to my goals. I will have to work a bit harder to achieve them this year.”
Steve Lewton shares a joke with Chase Koepka during a practice round at Manila Southwoods. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
He beat Australian Aaron Wilkin and China’s Sampson Zheng on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off in Indonesia. It was his second success on the Asian Tour after his victory in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2014.
The win was the culmination of a lot of hard work and justice after many near misses, including at the Indonesia Open, where he was second in the previous two editions.
It might have slipped under the radar for some but the 41-year-old has also won elsewhere in Asia, at the very event being played this week.
He claimed the Philippine Open in 2017 when it was played on the local tour, after prevailing in extra time against American Johannes Veerman, at a different venue from this week.
He said: “It was great to win back in 2017 because the Philippine Open is such a prestigious and old event. It’s great it’s back on Asian Tour this year. It is a privilege to be here.”
Steve Lewton. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
Lewton is one of five former champions in the field along with Filipino Clyde Mondilla (2019), Miguel Tabuena (2015 and 2018), Angelo Que (2008) and Gerald Rosales (2000).
“Game’s rusty but had a lot of time off which has been nice. I played a few times at home, but we’ll see how this week goes. I have done a bit of swing work so we will see if it’s paid work,” he said.
“I had an amazing off season. Didn’t touch a club for a long time and then had a holiday in Barbados, which was awesome to get some downtime, with my fiancée, and kind of played a few times last week.”
After his big win last year much is expected of Lewton again this season, although he is not giving much away.
He explained: “I have set myself a few goals this year. I achieved one last year obviously and I will keep the goals to myself for now. I have set a few new goals so let’s see if we can achieve them.”
Tournament Information
- Tournament: Smart Infinity Philippine Open
- Date: January 23-26, 2025
- Venue: The Manila Southwoods G&CC (Masters Course)
- Par/Yards: Par 70 / 7,138 Yards
- Purse: US$500,000
- Asian Tour leg: First event of the 2025 season
- Total number of players: 144
- Format: 72-hole stroke play with a cut made after two rounds to the leading 65 pros plus ties
- Social Media Hashtags: #TimeToRise #SmartInfinity #PhilippineOpen
Field breakdown
- Order of Merit winners: Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019)
- Nationalities: 28
- Top contenders: Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA), Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA), Steve Lewton (ENG), Travis Smyth (AUS), Scott Vincent (ZIM)
- Highest ranked player on OWGR: Suteepat Prateeptienchai #225
- Highest ranked player on 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit: Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) #5
- Defending champion: Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 2019
- No. of amateurs: 7
- No. of Philippine players in the field: 39
Tournament Notes
- The National Open of the Philippines is making a return to the Asian Tour after a 10-year absence. It was last on the schedule in 2015, when Miguel Tabuena won for the first time on the Asian Tour. It has been played three times since then on the local tour.
- The tournament is the season-opening event on the Asian Tour.
- Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai is a three-time winner on the Asian Tour after winning twice in 2024, with both wins coming in Chinese Taipei at the Yeangder TPC and the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open. His maiden win also came at the latter event in 2023. Finishing fifth on the Order of Merit last year, he is also the highest ranked player in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) in the field this week at number 225.
- Filippino Miguel Tabuena is playing on home turf this week and has already won the Philippine Open twice, once when it was part of the Asian Tour in 2015 and again in 2018 when it was held on the local circuit. Tabuena had a strong season in 2024 finishing seventh on the Order of Merit. If he is successful this week he will join two legends of the game in the region who have achieved the hat-trick: Filipino Ben Arda and Chinese-Taipei’s Lu Liang-huang, serial winners in the 1960s and 70s.
- Travis Smyth of Australia is the third highest ranked player from the 2024 Order of Merit in the field this week finishing eighth last year. The winner of the 2022 Yeangder TPC posted four top 10s on the Asian Tour last year and is ranked 275th on the OWGR.
- Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana had a solid season in 2024 missing only one cut in 20 outings on the Asian Tour, and with three top 10s he finished 10th on the Order of Merit. He is a two-time Asian Tour winner.
- Englishman Steve Lewton picked up his second Asian Tour victory in the second half of 2024 when he won the Mandiri Indonesia Open in a play-off, finishing 16th on the Order of Merit overall. Lewton won this event in 2017 when it was part of the local tour.
- 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, are two Filipino stars in the making also playing.
- The Philippine Open is one of the longest-running tournaments in the world. Inaugurated in 1913 it is Asia’s oldest golf tournament.
- The winningest player of the tournament is Filipino Larry Montes who won the tournament an incredible 12 times between 1929-1954.
- This year will mark the fifth time that Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club has hosted the event. It also staged it in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1999.
Filipino Miguel Tabuena will attempt to join a select group of players who have won his country’s National Open three times when he tees-off in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open on Thursday.
The country’s top golfer [main picture] won the tournament in 2015 and again three years later, and if he is successful this week at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, he will join two legends of the game in the region who have achieved the hat-trick: Filipino Ben Arda and Chinese-Taipei’s Lu Liang-huang, serial winners in the 1960s and 70s.
His first victory in what is one of the game’s oldest National Opens – it was first played in 1913 – was particularly significant as it was his first title on the Asian Tour.
“It’s when I first felt I belonged on the Asian Tour,” said the 30-year-old about his win that year, when the event was played in Luisita.
Miguel Tabuena (right) pictured with Chan Shih-chang, who is staying with him this week. by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
“It was probably one of my proudest moments as a professional. It is also a different level if you win an Asian Tour event in your home country. I hope I keep it in Filipino hands this week.”
Surprisingly, this week marks the first time that the event has been played on the Asian Tour since that famous when win by the young Filipino, who was 21 at the time and a professional for four years.
“It was special,” he added, “it was surreal, and I can remember every single part of it. Hopefully, I can get the feeling again.”
Tabuena did not win on Tour last year, but he is coming off the back of an outstanding season that saw his finish seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, thanks to recording two top threes, a fourth, a fifth and seven top 10s in total.
Most of the results came during a busy end to the year, after which he was in need of a well deserved break.
He said: “My game is good, it’s not the sharpest, but I don’t think anyone here will be sharp coming off the break. It’s not a very long off season for us. Especially for me, I ended it the second week of December and I just had to take some time off, it was a very packed end to the season last year.
“I just wanted to restart and just slow down for a bit. Obviously, I knew the consequences of not being as sharp but it’s still nice to build momentum through the start of the season.”
Miguel Tabuena. Picture by Jason Butler/Asian Tour.
This week’s event, which boasts prizemoney of US$500,000, is the season-opener on the Asian Tour, and Tabuena, whose most recent win on the Asian Tour came at the DGC Open presented by Mastercard in 2023, is thrilled the regional circuit is back on his home turf.
“It’s going to be a different week. It’s nice to be in my home country. There can be some local knowledge that can be crucial this week,” explained the Filipino, who mentioned he practices regularly at Manila Southwoods, and even more so when he heard the Smart Infinity Philippine Open was being played there.
“It’s nice to see all the faces I am used to seeing on Tour in the Philippines and I hope I make everyone feel as welcome as possible.”
A third win this week would be a monumental achievement, although he has some way to go to catch compatriot Larry Montes, who has won it a record 12 times, between 1929 and 1954.
Just over two years ago, Shahriffuddin Ariffin [main picture] looked to have everything going for him. Buoyed by a victory at the PKNS Selangor Masters, he went on to finish fourth on the 2022 Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit to earn his Asian Tour card. Report by Jonathan Ponniah at the PKNS Selangor Masters.
Fast forward to 2025 and the easy-going Malaysian is back for the 12th staging of the Selangor Masters, which tees-off tomorrow at Seri Selangor Golf Club, in an all together different head space.
‘Dino’, as he is known to close friends and family, failed to keep his Asian Tour card following a disappointing 2024 season, lit up by occasional flashes of brilliance, and is hoping that being back on familiar ground will reignite the fire that has been missing in his game of late.
“Being back here at Seri Selangor does give me a lift,” said the 25-year-old, who finished joint ninth at last year’s championship. “I want to regain my momentum and rediscover my feel, as I have performed well at past PKNS Selangor Masters.”
Shahriffuddin Ariffin.
Shahriffuddin has two ADT titles on his résumé, having also won the PGM Labuan Championship in 2018. What chances of another victory this week at Seri Selangor?
“I have many good memories from Seri Selangor and this week is a good chance for me to get a fresh start. I like tight courses and I’m aiming for a top-five finish to start this year. I don’t want to pressure myself too much, but If I do win, alhamdullilah,” said Shahriffuddin.
Family and friends played a huge role in keeping Shahriffuddin motivated through his on-course struggles in 2024.
“I struggled a lot last year, missing the cut narrowly in many tournaments. My swing was a bit off at the start of the year, and I had no idea why. Mentally, I was stressed due to the missed cuts. But my family was very supportive and kept encouraging me and kept praying for me, motivating me,” shared Shahriffuddin, who hails from the historic city of Malacca.
“I tried very hard to turn things around and regain my rhythm, and I had some deep conversations with my coach, caddie and family. My caddie, Firdaus, is my good friend and my former club-fitter in Malacca, so I talk with him a lot.
“Later in the year, I managed to get a bit of momentum, and I was quite satisfied with my performance in the last three months,” he added.
However, Shahriffuddin was still unable to keep his Asian Tour card and also failed to make it through December’s Qualifying School. That means the talented golfer will focus on the ADT this season.
Shahriffuddin pictured winning in 2022.
“This year I’ll be playing mainly on the ADT, and I might try to qualify for the All-Thailand Golf Tour. The ADT is the best tour for players starting out, and for players like me who are struggling to regain their form, as it gives us a chance to compete with international players,” he noted.
“I did my best to compete on the Asian Tour the last two years, but I wasn’t successful as my game was not sharp enough at that time. The level of play and pressure, the tournament set-ups, are different compared to the local tour and ADT. It’s a huge difference,” Shahriffuddin admitted.
Nevertheless, Shahriffuddin remains confident he can regain his form and relaunch his quest to play with the best, using the PKNS Selangor Masters as a launchpad.
“I am still confident that I can make it. My swing feels good right now, and I played well during the Albatross Cup earlier this month. I will try my best this week and hopefully build momentum with a good start to the year.”
Pictured courtesy PKNS Selangor Masters.
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.
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