Filipino rising star Miguel Tabuena talks about his goals in life, golfing rituals and his most embarrassing moment. Excerpts:
Q. What do you think about when you step onto the first tee?
You can’t be too aggressive with the first shot. My coach Rick Gibson always reminds me that you can’t win the tournament on the first day but you can certainly lose the tournament on the first day. Just play smart over the first few holes.
Q. What gives you an edge over your rivals?
I guess my fighting spirit as I never give up. Every shot counts for me.
Q. How do you keep yourself in good physical shape?
I have a physical trainer who works with me four times a week for about an hour and a half each session at home. I also play other sports like basketball and football which helps keep me fit.
Q. Any superstition in golf?
Not really. I don’t believe in superstition.
Q. Would you go make it a point to go back to the range after a low round?
I guess the key is always to have a routine, whether you play well or not. I always go back to the range or putting green after my round. That’s what happened to me at the Philippine Open last year when I was in contention after the third day but I did not go back to the range.
Q. What motivates you to excel?
Everyone wants to get onto the PGA Tour. My family and friends support me a lot back home which is great.
Q. What do you dislike the most on the golf course?
Probably the rain!
Q. Describe yourself in one sentence?
Small but terrible.
Q. What’s been your happiest moment on the golf course so far?
Probably during my amateur days. I sank a 10-footer on the last hole hole in the final round at the 2010 Asian Games to win the silver medal. Hopefully I’ll have a new one happy moment soon as a professional.
Q. What’s been your most embarrassing moment on the golf course?
During one event, I almost fell into a bunker while trying to line up a putt. I was moving back and didn’t realise the bunker was behind me.
Q. Who’s your favourite roommate on Tour?
Probably my dad (Luigi). I travel a lot on Tour with him.
Q. Tell us something about you that not many people know?
I’m afraid of rollercoasters and heights. I love to fly in a plane but I hate heights.
Q. Do you remember your first 18 holes?
I don’t really remember. I started playing golf when I was about under two years old. I was probably four or five when I played my first 18 holes but I certainly don’t remember what I shot.
Q. How long did it take you to get your handicap down to single digit?
When I was about nine, I was down to a single handicap. It didn’t take me too long.
Q. Would you prefer to play on a long and tough golf course or a shorter but trickier set-up?
Probably the shorter course. One of my strengths is around the greens. I’ve played well on the shorter courses as you’ve seen on the Asian Tour like in Santiburi Samui and Tamsui course.
Q. What would you be if you were not a golfer?
Probably a pilot.
Q. Ultimate goal in golf?
Short term would be number one in Asia and long term will be number one in the world.
Q. How would you celebrate a first win on the Asian Tour?
Probably with my family as they’ve been so supportive in my career.
About Miguel
Country: Philippines
Date Of Birth: October 13, 1994
Residence: Manila
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2011
PROFESSIONAL WINS: (2) 2012 ICTSI Splendido Classic, Philippines, 2012 Eastridge Classic, Philippines.
