The Asian Tour's Order of Merit race is poised for a thrilling conclusion as the top two contenders, Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Australia's Travis Smyth, prepare to face off in the Philippine Open. This event, which is set to kick off at Manila Southwoods, offers a lucrative prize pool of $1 million and serves as the climax of the Asian Tour season.
Tangkamolprasert, currently leading the Order of Merit (OOM) standings with 1,364.02 points, solidified his position after a victory at the Yeangder TPC in Taiwan last September. Smyth trails closely behind with 1,178.86 points, just 185.16 points short of the top spot. Their pairing in the tournament not only promises an exciting battle for the championship title but could also impact the overall standings significantly, with 525 points awarded to the champion.
As both players tee off at 6:55 a.m. on Thursday from the 10th hole of the Masters course, the stakes could hardly be higher. The winner will not only secure one of the region's most esteemed titles but could also take home a substantial bonus of $180,000 (approximately P11 million). Such high stakes ensure every shot will be critical during the tournament's four-day duration.
Trailing the two frontrunners is Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand, a former OOM champion who currently sits sixth with 889.64 points. Despite his ranking, Janewattananond could still make a push for the title, but he would need to win while hoping that Tangkamolprasert finishes outside the top ten. This scenario would open the door for many potential plot twists in the tournament's final stages.
Among the competitors, Smyth has established a notable track record, having already claimed victory in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia for the 2025-26 season. His confident performance in previous tournaments, including the International Series Japan, cements him as a formidable contender. Smyth emphasizes his focus on playing high-quality golf, irrespective of the OOM pressure.
Janewattananond, while realistic about his chances, aims to finish the season positively. He intends to prioritize his game over the standings and engage fully in the competition. He has showcased consistency across the season with multiple top-four finishes despite not securing a win.
The excitement surrounding the Philippine Open goes beyond the OOM race. A range of international golfers and local talents will be vying for victory on a course known for its demanding layout. The Masters course has undergone extensive renovations, transforming it into a challenging environment where precision and strategy will be key, particularly with narrower fairways and tested greens awaiting competitors.
Local players are eager to perform well, especially former champions like Angelo Que and Clyde Mondilla, who lead a robust Filipino contingent. Other notable names include Sean Ramos and Justin Quiban, who are aiming to leverage local support in their pursuit of golf glory. Admission to the championship remains free, encouraging fans to rally behind their home-grown athletes in a thrilling conclusion to the Asian Tour season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Philippine Open start?
The Philippine Open starts on Thursday, November 16, 2026.
What is the prize money for the Philippine Open?
The Philippine Open features a total prize money of $1 million.
Who are the top contenders in the Order of Merit race?
The top contenders currently are Pavit Tangkamolprasert from Thailand and Travis Smyth from Australia.
Reporting by Joey Bengzon for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.