Tabuena aims for memorable debut at ISPS Handa Perth International

Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena is ready to make his maiden professional debut at the ISPS Handa Perth International an unforgettable one when the A$1.75 million event starts next week.

Tabuena was only 14 when the Asian Tour last made its visit to Australia in 2009.

However, with the ISPS Handa Perth International making a welcome return to the Tour’s schedule after a seven-year lapse, the Filipino is understandably excited about teeing up at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club from February 25 to 28.

“I’ve never played in Australia as a professional before. So this will be my first time. I played in Melbourne before as an amateur and I haven’t been back since.

“It will be nice to see Perth and its culture. I’ve also been talking to the Australian players and they have been telling me the course is in good shape and I can’t wait to tee up there,” said the 21-year-old.

The young Filipino has been enjoying a good run of form since his breakthrough win on home soil last December.

He has also started off the season promisingly especially with a tied-fourth finish at the season-opening event in Singapore.

“I’m playing well and I feel that I can compete against the best. I’ve shown that with my recent performances especially in Singapore and I’m ready to do it again in Australia,” said Tabuena.

Despite his age, Tabuena has shown great maturity, learning to cope with the demands of the game.

“I’ve learnt to be more patient and have become more mature on how to handle myself on the golf course.

I could not have done it without my support back home,” said the Filipino.

The ISPS Handa Perth International is the only golf tournament in Australia to be tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour and will feature over 20 tournament winners from the Asian Tour including Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera.

Major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa will also headline the event alongside the stars from Europe including Italy’s Matteo Manassero and France’s Victor Dubuisson.

Tickets for the Perth International start from $22 and are available now at www.perthinternational.com or directly at Ticketmaster. Children under 16 will gain free entry with a paying adult ticket holder.

For general event information visit www.perthinternational.com and stay up to date on Facebook –http://www.facebook.com/PerthInternationalGolf  and Twitter – @PerthIntl.

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