Philippine Golf Championship to kick off 2026 Asian Tour season with over 130 players

The Philippines is steadily cementing its reputation as a premier sporting destination in Southeast Asia, a status reinforced by the capital city of Manila recently hosting the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125 tennis event. Building on that momentum, the country is now gearing up to welcome some of the region’s top golfers for the Philippine Golf Championship, set to take place from February 5 to 8 at the East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. The tournament also marks the start of the 2026 Asian Tour season, signaling the Philippines’ growing influence in international golf.

Over 130 players are expected to compete in this year’s championship, with notable names including former Asian Tour Order of Merit winners John Catlin of the United States, Sihwan Kim of Thailand, and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, all vying for the season-opening crown. Their participation underscores the tournament’s prestige and the country’s rising profile as a competitive golf hub.

This is the second consecutive year that the Philippines will host the season-opening Asian Tour, a milestone that has not gone unnoticed by officials. Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), believes this recognition demonstrates the international sporting community’s confidence in the country.

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“Hosting the season opener of the Asian Tour for the second straight year reflects the confidence the international sporting community has in the Philippines. The Philippine Golf Championship aligns perfectly with our vision of using major events to inspire excellence, elevate Filipino athletes and strengthen the country’s sports tourism and global sporting profile,” Gregorio said in a media interaction.

The wait is over. ✌🏻

The 2026 Asian Tour season starts here at the Philippine Golf Championship presented by Philippine Sports Commission. ⛳🇵🇭

Entry list: https://t.co/QQChqRrghk pic.twitter.com/6b0eMrkba8

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) February 3, 2026

Gregorio’s vision is clear: to make the Philippines a premier destination for sporting events. With the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country has recently hosted a string of high-profile competitions, including the FIVB Men’s World Cup, the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup, the World Junior Gymnastics Championships, and top-tier international surfing competitions. These events, combined with the Philippine Golf Championship, reflect a deliberate push to position the Philippines as a hub for global sports.

“The Filipino golfers can compete against the world’s best. We have proven that time and again. The Philippines as a golf destination is likewise comparable with the world’s best. Golf will be one of the pillars of our sports tourism efforts. The PSC and NST-IAC will closely work with NGAP to make sure we are successful,” Gregorio added.

This year, the Philippine Golf Championship will feature 25 professional Filipino golfers, supplemented by 16 invited local players and six national amateurs, ensuring strong local representation alongside international talent. The tournament is open to the general public, reflecting the PSC’s commitment to promoting golf in the Philippines and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

As the country continues to host world-class competitions across multiple sports, the Philippine Golf Championship serves not only as a platform for elite competition but also as a statement of intent: the Philippines is ready to claim its place on the global sporting map. With world-class facilities, growing local talent, and strong government support, the nation is poised to become a go-to destination for international sporting events in Southeast Asia.

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