What a challenge awaits Asian Tour stars this week at the 108th Philippine Open: Two normally gentle par-5 holes at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club are turning into real monsters, trimming the field on the 7,138-yard (6,526-meter) Masters Course to par 70. Precisely these two holes – the fourth and the 15th – could bury not only golf balls but also title dreams, and the pros know it all too well.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Travis Smyth, currently ranked first and second in the Order of Merit, have already identified these tactical minefields. Hole number four demands a tee shot as precise as clockwork, followed by an approach shot of almost 200 yards (183 meters) to a tiny green surrounded by ravines, bunkers, and all sorts of trouble. The 15th? It has water on the left, and a deep bunker lurks behind the green – aggression here is punished with high scores.
Title Fight Showdown
Tangkamolprasert warns that these holes will provoke "numerous errors," especially if the wind plays its tricks. Smyth adds that with increasing fatigue, the holes will become even tougher. It's not about routine birdies here, but about survival and damage control. The stakes couldn't be higher for Tangkamolprasert and Smyth: With the Saudi International 2026 postponed, the Philippine Open is the grand finale where it will be decided who claims the 2026 Order of Merit. Anyone who shows nerves here or gets caught cold by the brutal holes could see their dream shattered.
Tough Nut for Local Heroes
With a record prize fund of a whopping $1 million and a field of 132 players, every shot is worth its weight in gold. The 27 Filipino players, led by former champion Angelo Que, also face a colossal task. Miguel Tabuena, typically the top local, has to sit out due to a hand injury – a severe blow for the fans. However, Justin Quiban, as the highest-ranked Filipino (61st in the Asian Tour standings), is teeing off. Names like Ian Snyman, Bae Sang-moon, seven-time Asian Tour Champion Jazz Janewattananond, and Chase Koepka are also hot on the heels of victory. But in the end, it all comes down to these two holes, which could dismantle the pros by the end of their rounds.
