Staff WriterIf there’s a heartbeat to golf’s future in Asia, it’s thumping loud and clear at Sta. Elena Golf Club. The International Series Philippines, presented by BingoPlus, isn’t just another event on the calendar—it’s a declaration that the game has truly taken root in this corner of the world.
From October 23–26, a world-class field will chase glory, ranking points, and perhaps a ticket into the glittering LIV Golf arena.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar has seen this evolution first-hand. The 11-time Asian Tour winner, who last lifted a trophy at the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters, recalled his early visits to Manila with the perspective of a man who’s watched golf grow from niche to national.
“I first came to the Philippines in 2007 for the Philippine Open at Wack Wack Country Club,” Bhullar said. “On Monday when I landed at the airport, the officer asked me what the purpose of my visit was, and I said I’m here for The International Series golf event. He knew exactly what I was talking about. That really shows how much the game has grown in popularity here.”
Bhullar didn’t stop there. “It was the same in India a few years back—when big events like these started coming in, it completely changed how people viewed golf.
Now, with The International Series being played and broadcast around the world, it elevates the sport’s presence and perception everywhere it goes. In my opinion, over the past 19 years, golf has evolved tremendously in this region.”
Having made every cut in The International Series this season, Bhullar arrives brimming with quiet confidence and monk-like focus. “I’ve been visualising more, meditating, and staying physically sharp in the gym to keep up with the younger players,” he said. “I’m feeling good and ready to go.”
He’ll need every ounce of that discipline with veterans like Wade Ormsby lurking. The Australian, twice a Hong Kong Open champion and now third in The International Series Rankings after his Jakarta win, knows how to time a run.
“My expectations were low going into Jakarta, and that probably worked in my favour,” Ormsby admitted. “I just wanted to enjoy my golf—my game feels in a good spot right now. Sta. Elena is in great condition, and it’s fantastic to see an event of this scale back in the region. I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing.”
Then there’s Dominic Foos, the 26-year-old German who snapped a 29-year drought for his country on the Asian Tour with his victory at the SJM Macao Open. “I’m feeling good—I didn’t really celebrate much after Macau, so I’m fit and focused,” he said. “It’s special to be mentioned alongside a legend like Mr. Langer, and I’m really proud of that. Now it’s about keeping the form going and having another strong week here.”
He also spoke of the ripple effect these tournaments create. “It’s crucial to grow the game by bringing big tournaments and top players to this region—it inspires the next generation. I remember when Tiger came to play in Germany when I was a kid; that moment really motivated me. Hopefully, this week does the same for young golfers here.”
One man who won’t need directions to the first tee is Steve Lewton, the 2017 Solaire Philippine Open champion. The Englishman, fresh from an eighth-place finish in Jakarta and sitting 42nd in The International Series Rankings, is happy to be back where he’s already lifted silverware.
“It’s always great to be back in the Philippines—I’ve got fond memories here,” said Lewton. “It’s a different course this week, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays. I’ve been under the weather recently, but I’ll get some solid practice in before the first round and hopefully carry that good form through to Sunday.”
Behind all the birdies and bunkers, the International Series Philippines serves a bigger purpose. It’s one of nine elevated events on the Asian Tour that feed directly into LIV Golf—offering a clear, merit-based pathway for players from every corner of the world.
And for fans? This isn’t your grandfather’s golf tournament. The week will fuse elite sport with full-scale entertainment: headline concerts, premium hospitality, live music, gourmet dining, and immersive fan zones that promise to make Sta. Elena feel more like Glastonbury with fairways.
Tickets—free on Thursday and Friday—are available at bit.ly/4mP5bAH.
Golf’s future in Asia isn’t just on the horizon anymore—it’s teeing off right now in the International Series Philippines.
