The Philippine Open was hanging by a thread, but now the traditional tournament is attracting attention with a million dollars in prize money and a healthy dose of drama on the Asian Tour. Recently, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepped in as a last-minute savior to secure the 108th event, which will take place from November 12 to 15, 2026, at the Masters Course of Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite. With approximately 63 million Philippine Pesos, this commitment makes it clear: no expense is being spared; instead, they are pulling out all the stops to keep the event alive.
The end came suddenly: title sponsor BingoPlus withdrew just one month before the scheduled tee-off. This could have meant the end for one of Asia's oldest tournaments. However, the Asian Tour and the National Golf Association of the Philippines resisted, and in the end, it was the PSC that saved the day with a hefty check. For PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio, the Philippine Open was simply too important – a "national tradition" and the "pride of the country" that they were not willing to simply put on hold.
Comeback of Tradition
The Philippine Open has been played since 1913, a true institution. Apart from seven exceptions – including weather-related cancellations in 2013 and 2016, and the four-year hiatus from 2020 to 2023 due to the pandemic – it has been held every year. This year therefore marks not only a comeback but the continuation of a long history. A 72-hole stroke play battle is expected, with the top players from the Asian Tour competing against the elite and rising talents of the Philippines.
Course Under Fire
The Masters Course at Manila Southwoods will be no walk in the park. Officials are preparing a truly challenging version of the layout: narrow fairways and more aggressive, longer rough are designed to ensure that every inaccurate drive is severely penalized. Here, it's not just about distance, but above all about precision and nerves of steel. Anyone looking to conjure up a spectacular round on these greens will truly need to have everything under control.
This year's Philippine Open is therefore more than just a tournament; it is a statement. It shows that the community sticks together when things get tough, and that with the necessary commitment, traditions not only survive but emerge stronger from crises. For the Asian Tour, the event is now once again a truly strong stop on the calendar, demonstrating that top-level golf is offered here.
