Miguel Tabuena [main picture] made a memorable maiden start on the LIV Golf League last week when he played a key role in helping 4Aces GC finish in third place in Riyadh.

The Philippines’ top golfer shot rounds of 71, 71, 71 and 69 to finish six under at Riyadh Golf Club – in an event played at night under floodlights. Two of those rounds, including his closing 69, contributed to the team score – meaning 4Aces GC, captained by American Dustin Johnson, have got the season off to a strong start.

Johnson called up Tabuena, who was a reserve for the season-opening event on the League, the week before the tournament. It meant the Filipino star had to withdraw from last week’s Philippine Golf Championship presented by Philippine Sports Commission, but after his performance it was a win for all concerned.

He tied for 48^th individually. Australian Elvis Smylie, also making his debut, won the tournament, on 24-under, while his Australian Ripper GC side, consisting of captain Cam Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert claimed the team title. Torque GC, led by Joaquin Niemann, were second.

Tabuena became the first player from his country to play on the LIV Golf League, just reward for a fine 2025 season that saw him win the International Series Philippines. He finished third on The International Series Rankings, narrowly missing out on winning full playing rights on the League, which goes to the top two.

He got the nod from Johnson, whom he played the first two rounds with in the International Series Philippines, following the withdrawal of American Patrick Reed.

It was also an excellent first event for three other Asian Tour members. Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, winner of The International Series Rankings last year, tied for 13^th along with Canadian Richard T. Lee – who was victorious at LIV Golf Promotions last month. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, second on the Rankings also ended in the top-20, in a tournament featuring 57 players and 13 teams.