PH golf’s newest toast boosts Rio Olympic chances

Over the next seven months, Miguel Tabuena must at least preserve his current placing in the International Golf Federation Olympic rankings to be able to clinch a spot in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and compete against the world’s finest.

Tabuena moved up to No. 48 in the Olympic rankings following his victory in the 98th Philippine Open last Sunday. It was the 21-year-old’s maiden win on the Asian Tour.

“I know I can do it; I will join more tournaments next year,” Tabuena said in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“It’s a chance to compete against the best in the world.”

By July next year, the top 60 golfers in the Olympic rankings will earn spots in the Summer Games.

Accompanied by his father, Luigi, Tabuena said in the weekly forum backed by Shakey’s, Accel, Pagcor and San Miguel Corp. he would begin the year by competing in the Singapore Open on Jan. 28 and the $3-million Maybank Malaysian Open the following month.

Tabuena, who as a two-year-old, made guest appearances on television showing how good he is with a club, said he would also vie in the Thailand Golf Classic and another big event in India.

The other Filipinos in Olympic golf’s magic circle are Angelo Que and Jennifer Rosales.

As of Dec. 15, Que lay at No. 49 in the men’s division while Rosales stood at No. 57 in women’s play.