Photos by coach Toch Altea. Posted on INQUIRER Golf Facebook
A CHANCE encounter with two giants in the world of golf—Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson—on the practice green started the day just right for Miguel Tabuena as the Filipino ace finally kicked off preparations for the US Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
McIlroy and Tabuena had a light banter while getting the feel of the putting surface, exchanging views on what is being touted as the toughest US Open course ever.
“He told me to just stay below the hole and I’ll be fine,” said Tabuena of his encounter with McIlroy.
A few minutes later, Tabuena was on the same spot where Mickelson was and like a starstruck fan, the 21-year-old, who got into the powerhouse field by topping the sectional qualifying in Daly City, California, two weeks ago, asked for an obligatory photo.
They also engaged in casual talk until they parted ways for their practice tee times.
“There’s no such thing as easy around here,” Mickelson, now on a career bounceback after freeing himself from some legal woes, told Tabuena.
Tabuena played nine holes with Americans Rob Oppenheim, Kevin Chappell and Kevin Kisner just as he does in
every Monday practice.
Tabuena used to just read scary stories about Oakmont but he’s now coming face-to-face with reality.
“We’re in for a big challenge. The course is super hard and you won’t see too many under par scores here for sure,” said Tabuena.
He goes back to the course Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to play with Anirban Lahiri of India, a buddy on the Asian Tour who now campaigns full time on the PGA Tour.
Tabuena will be paired with Lee Slattery of England when the tournament fires off Thursday (Friday in Manila).