In line with the government’s massive sports tourism campaign, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) will stage the Philippine leg of the 2026 Asian Tour Series next month. The international tournament will take place at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City from Feb. 5 to 8.
With a total cash purse of $500,000 (P29.6 million), the event is expected to attract the finest players from the Asian Tour, including the top Filipino pros, and will once again put the Philippines in the spotlight.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Administrative Order No. 38, created the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee (NST-IAC) last November, and appointed PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio as head.
The NST-IAC was tasked to promote sports tourism in the country. The PSC chairman cited sports tourism as a “vital tool for economic growth, cultural exchange and global recognition.”
Staging an Asian Tour leg in the country is consonant to the government’s sports tourism campaign.
Malacañang has already given its stamp of approval on the hosting. NGAP chairman Al Panlilio said the organization is “very excited to once again partner with the Philippine Sports Commission, one of our premier supporters.
Moreover, we are aligned in the plans of chairman Pato Gregorio in elevating Sports for all our Filipino athletes.” NGAP secretary-general Bones Floro said they are in the process of “finalizing all major arrangements for the prestigious international tournament.”
While the tournament proper is set Feb. 5 to 8, a Pro-Am tournament is scheduled Feb. 4 with teams featuring three amateurs and one professional who is in the official tournament roster. Practice rounds are set Feb. 2 and 3.
The Asian Tour is globally recognized, with its tournament results contributing to the Official World Golf Ranking. A full field of 144 players is expected for the Philippine leg led by 97 Asian Tour members, 25 local pros, six national amateurs, and four invites each from the NGAP, Asian Tour, venue host and sponsors.
The hosting of the Asian Tour leg comes after the successful staging of the International Series Philippines last October, which is also part of the Asian Tour and a pathway to the lucrative LIV Golf.
Filipino Miguel Tabuena ruled the event that attracted major champions Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.
