The Philippine Golf Championship, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, is the rebranded season opener on the Asian Tour, officials announced.
Set to launch February 5-8 at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, the event gained its new name thanks to boosted PSC support. It offers a $500,000 purse, with BingoPlus joining as an official sponsor amid their growing golf investments.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, also head of the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee (NST-IAC), said: “We’ll host world-class sports tourism events monthly—from WTA tennis to the Asian Tour.” He added that they instill national pride, honor the city and athletes, and motivate youth.
Organized by the NST-IAC (previously the Philippine President’s Trophy), the tournament aligns with golf's role in national strategy. Gregorio noted: “We’re thrilled to partner with the National Golf Association of the Philippines. International stars don’t just compete—they immerse in our culture and spirit.”
A stellar field features 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner John Catlin (USA), past No. 1s Sihwan Kim (USA) and Jazz Janewattananond (Thailand), Hong Kong's Taichi Kho, and Chinese-Taipei's Lee Chieh-po. Thailand's four-time recent victor Suteepat Prateeptienchai joins last year's champions Sadom Kaewkanjana, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Poosit Supupramai, and Ekpharit Wu (all Thailand), plus Germany's Dominic Foos. Depth grows with Asian Development Tour champ Tawit Polthai (Thailand) and Qualifying School winner Lin Yuxin (China); nearly all 35 Q-School graduates enter.
For BingoPlus, it's a key step after presenting last year's hit International Series Philippines. AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio stated: “This partnership, via parent DigiPlus, underscores our sports commitment—making it accessible to local talents. As the top digital entertainment platform, we’ll foster public-private ties. Expect a top-tier event drawing fans and media to Wack Wack in early February, elevating Philippine golf, pros, and sports tourism.”