The Philippine Open, the region’s oldest national open, will return this year boasting record prize money of US$1million and with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as presenting partner.

It will be played at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, from 12–15 November and play a crucial role in deciding who wins the Order of Merit race.

This year will mark the first time that the tournament, which was inaugurated in 1913, has reached the US$1million mark in prize money, double the purse on offer last year when Frenchman Julien Sale earned his maiden Tour win.

It will also be the most lucrative sports event in the country this year.

For PSC, today’s announcement represents an important extension of their relationship with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and the Asian Tour, and their commitment to promoting the best sporting events in the Philippines. PSC were also presenting partner for the Philippine Golf Championship this year – the Asian Tour’s season-opening event.

Patrick Gregorio, Chairman, PSC, said: “Sports is a key to unlocking the Philippines’ potential for golf tourism. Our people, our athletes, and our destinations are ready to host events of this level. Through partnerships with NGAP and the Asian Tour, we want to continue raising the bar — creating greater opportunities for athlete development, destination development, and ultimately for Philippine sports and tourism.”

Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

The Philippine Open returned to the Asian Tour last year following a hiatus of 10 years. It was a popular return for one of the region’s most endearing national opens that means so much to the Asian Tour.

Local hero, Miguel Tabuena has confirmed he will compete and will attempt to claim the title for a third time after victories in 2015 and 2018. He triumphed in the International Series Philippines last year, for one of his country’s greatest sporting victories.

Al Panlilio, President, NGAP, said: “Breaking the US$1 million mark is a landmark moment for the Philippine Open and a powerful statement about the growth and potential of golf in the Philippines. With the support of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Asian Tour and Manila Southwoods, we are giving our players a bigger stage while showcasing the Philippines as a world-class golf and sports destination. NGAP is proud to help take the Philippine Open to this next level.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, said: “We welcomed back the Philippine Open with open arms at the start of last year, and we are excited to see it back this year in such a prominent position. It’s an event of huge importance to use, as is our relationship with the NGAP.

“The tournament is a natural fit for the ambitions of the Philippine Sports Commission, and along with Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, we are truly grateful for their backing and enthusiasm.

This year will mark the sixth time that Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club has hosted the event. It also staged it in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2025.

The tournament will be played on their Masters Course.

Bob Sobrapeno, President, Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, said: “We are pleased to host the 2026 Philippine Open and be a part of the Asian Tour. Our club has always supported both amateur and professional golf and there is no other event larger than the Philippine Open which will showcase the best of Philippine golf. We will do our very best to prepare and present our golf course at its very best to provide a true test of championship golf for all the participants. We thank the National Golf Association of the Philippines and the Asian Tour for holding this prestigious event at our club. Rest assured we will do our part to ensure the success of this year’s Philippine Open!”

The Asian Tour heads to the SJM Macao Open next week and will be followed by the Link Hong Kong Open the week after before attention turns to the national open of the Philippines.

Main picture: Julien Sale pictured winning last year.