Philippine Open looms as Order of Merit decider for Tangkamolprasert, Smyth

MANILA, Philippines — Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Travis Smyth head into Thursday’s Philippine Open with more than the prestigious championship crown at stake, as the Thai and Australian stars brace for a potentially decisive showdown for the Asian Tour’s coveted Order of Merit title.

Tangkamolprasert holds the upper hand with 1,364 points against Smyth’s 1,178, setting the stage for a compelling battle in the $1-million championship, which could go a long way toward determining the season’s top player.

The Thai ace has enjoyed a banner campaign on the region’s premier circuit, highlighted by his breakthrough victory in the Yeangder TPC in Taiwan, where he snapped a nearly seven-year title drought to surge to the top of the OOM standings.

Smyth, however, has proven equally formidable. The Australian captured his second Asian Tour title in Chiba, Japan, last April, draining a dramatic 20-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole to prevail by one stroke over Tangkamolprasert and Ryosuke Kinoshita.

Their season-long rivalry adds another compelling dimension to the Philippine Open, where neither the leading international campaigners nor the local aces can afford to take anything for granted.

Even players familiar with Manila Southwoods, some of whom consider the club their home course, face an entirely different challenge on the refurbished Masters layout, which has undergone extensive improvements designed to put a premium on accuracy, strategic play and precision shot-making rather than sheer power.

Fairways are expected to average just 25 to 30 yards in width, while ankle-deep rough threatens to exact a stiff penalty on errant drives. Finding the short grass off the tee will be crucial, with players also facing the challenge of controlling their approach shots and negotiating the demanding greens.

The revamped layout is thus expected to separate the big hitters from those capable of combining power with discipline, sound course management and a deft touch around the greens.

With accuracy likely to count as much as distance, the 132-player field could be in for an unpredictable four-day battle. Success will hinge not only on power and putting but also on patience, smart decision-making and the ability to adjust when the wind comes into play.

Admission will be free throughout the championship, in line with Manila Southwoods' commitment to promoting golf and rallying home support for the Filipino campaigners as they take on a formidable international field.

Among the leading foreign challengers are Taiwan's Wei-Hsuan Wang, India's Anirban Lahiri, South Korea's Taehoon Ok, American John Catlin, Andy Ogletree of Australia and Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond.

Adding further depth to the international cast are multiple-time Asian Tour winner Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand, along with Category 4 champions Charlie Lindh of Sweden, Jiho Yang of South Korea and Ian Snyman of South Africa. Korean campaigners Minhyuk Song, Jeongwoo Ham and Wooyoung Cho are also expected to figure prominently.

Leading the local charge are former Philippine Open champions Angelo Que and Clyde Mondilla, who will spearhead a strong Filipino contingent that includes Sean Ramos, Justin Quiban, Lloyd Go, Carl Corpus and Aidric Chan.

Philippine Golf Tour standouts Jeffren Lumbo, Rupert Zaragosa, Keanu Jahns, Jhonnel Ababa, Tony Lascuña and Russel Bautista are likewise expected to make their presence felt as the home bets seek to capitalize on local support and mount a serious challenge for the crown.

Meanwhile, National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) President Al Panlilio aims to unite the local golf community behind a revitalized national team program anchored by the National Training Center.

"That's the ultimate plan — the legacy I want to leave at the NGAP. This will be a game-changer for the sport," said Panlilio, outlining his vision for the NTC as a premier hub where prospective Philippine team members can train and receive high-level coaching.

"The NTC for golf will ensure our national athletes are well-taken care of," he added. "Our ultimate target is to restore the Philippines as the yardstick in our region and make Olympic appearances in golf a regular occurrence."

abtestabtest No break for Tim By Joaquin M. Henson | 18 hours ago It would’ve been a timely opportunity for coach Tim Cone to visit family in the US with the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals... Sports Andreeva powers past Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals Last Four 8 hours ago French Open champion Mirra Andreeva stormed past Aryna Sabalenka, 6-4, 6-0, to reach the Last Four of the WTA Finals. Sports Poison Ivy Gizy captures first CODM Garena Battle Royale Cup crown on home soil By Michelle Lojo | 3 hours ago Backed by a roaring home crowd, Poison Ivy Gizy became the first-ever Call of Duty: Mobile (COD:M) Garena Battle Royale Cup... Sports Quezon goes for kill in MPBL South Finals 8 hours ago Quezon Province shoots for the title while Binan Tatak Gel fights for life on Friday in the SportsPlus MPBL  2026... Sports AAC Player Blog: A special achievement to follow in Hideki Matsuyama's footsteps By Fifa Laopakdee | 8 hours ago Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee became only the second player, after Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, to successfully defend the... Sports Latest More in Sports Kiwi leads Philippine Open after 65 DXD Invitational pickleball tilt slated in December HYVE All Stars repeats as KWS champion, books world stage return New six-court facility thrives thanks to friendship, pickleball boom abtest Singson eyes to revive title-retention campaign 7 hours ago Mafy Singson hardly comes into the ICTSI Anvaya Cove Match Play Invitational looking like a defending champion poised for... Sports Osang in solid debut as Tigers drub Warriors By John Bryan Ulanday | 18 hours ago   Santo Tomas wouldn’t be another victim of University of the East’s upset ax, cruising to a 97-70 win... Sports Philippines Open on today: Two long par-4s bane for field 18 hours ago For the frontrunners in the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit race, the winner of the 108th playing of the Philippine Open could be determined by how well two holes are played starting today. Sports Wangkay wins bronze, Philippines books best YOG show 18 hours ago Pi Durden Wangkay ran a fifth-best time in the heats and was assigned on Lane 9 in Tuesday’s final, but with one mighty... Sports ICC spikers on track for ‘double’ 18 hours ago Immaculada Concepcion College inched closer to completing a historic golden double after its women’s and men’s... Sports Recommended Periko sa China November 10, 2026 - 12:00am Tagsa ra si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte nga mosugyot og sulbad sa mga problema sa nasud. SportsTRENDING Immigration and a divided Washington November 8, 2026 - 12:00am Imagine waking up after the 2026 midterms to a brand-new political reality: Democrats have flipped both the Senate and the House. President Donald Trump is still in the White House finishing out his second term,...r SportsTRENDING Wa nay kapilian November 7, 2026 - 12:00am Sa kataposan, sa gusto niya o sa dili, bisan sa ka-feeling hawod, kay kumbinsido nga ang kapin sa 32 milyones ka boto nga nakuha niya niadtong 2022 maoy kinakusgang panagang sa bisan unsang pagsuway pagpalagpot niya...r SportsSALNS next Recommended Periko sa China Tagsa ra si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte nga mosugyot og sulbad sa mga problema sa nasud. 2 days ago TRENDING Immigration and a divided Washington Imagine waking up after the 2026 midterms to a brand-new political reality: Democrats have flipped both the Senate and the House. President Donald Trump is still in the White House finishing out his second term, but the dynamic in Washington just completely transformed overnight. If there is one issue where you will feel this political tectonic shift instantly, it is U.S. immigration policy. 4 days ago TRENDING Wa nay kapilian Sa kataposan, sa gusto niya o sa dili, bisan sa ka-feeling hawod, kay kumbinsido nga ang kapin sa 32 milyones ka boto nga nakuha niya niadtong 2022 maoy kinakusgang panagang sa bisan unsang pagsuway pagpalagpot niya sa puwesto, mapugos na si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte pagtubag sa mga pasangil batok niya. 5 days ago SALNS OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!