In a remarkable display of skill, Minhyuk Song continues to impress at the 108th Philippine Open, held at the Masters Course of Manila Southwoods. The young South Korean golfer, amid adverse weather conditions, posted a five-under-par 65 during the third round, marking it as the second-lowest score of the day. This performance placed him firmly ahead in the tournament, setting him up for a potential victory in this prestigious event with a hefty purse of $1 million.
Song's impressive tally of six birdies in conjunction with only one bogey bolstered his overall score to 195, extending his lead over his nearest competitor by a substantial seven strokes. Just a day prior, he had flirted with breaking the 60-mark, scoring an impressive 60 during the second round. This combination has remarkably positioned Song as a frontrunner to secure his second title on the Asian Tour.
Trailing behind Song is Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut, who finished the third round with a score of 68 for a total of 202. Currently sitting in a distant second place, Suwannarut faced challenges during his round, especially after incurring a double bogey on the 9th hole, hampering his efforts to close the gap.
Ham Jeongwoo, another South Korean, follows closely at eight shots behind Song, with an overall score of 203 after carding a respectable 66 in the third round. Meanwhile, Filipino golfer Justin Quiban elevated his standing to joint fourth with a total of 204 after a strong round of 65, showcasing a remarkable comeback after struggling in the second round.
Quiban’s performance was highlighted by five birdies on the back nine, despite a bogey on the 15th hole. He expressed optimism going into the final round, attributing his comeback partly to the reduced wind conditions during the rainy day.
Sean Ramos, also from the Philippines, is in striking position, sitting at sixth place with a total score of 205 after recording the best round of the day with a bogey-free 64. Although the late surge from local players is commendable, they face an uphill battle against Song’s commanding performance as the final round approaches.
Minhyuk Song, the Rookie of the Year in the 2024 KPGA, remains confident as he prepares for the final day of competition. "I’m a deep sleeper, so I believe I will have a good night’s rest tonight," he stated, indicating his focus and determination to clinch the title. With an eye on finishing the season strongly, he aims to win the tournament to pave the way for a successful campaign in the upcoming year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minhyuk Song's score entering the final round of the Philippine Open?
Minhyuk Song's total score entering the final round is 195.
Who is in second place behind Minhyuk Song at the Philippine Open?
Sarit Suwannarut from Thailand is in second place with a score of 202.
What was the purse for the 108th Philippine Open?
The total purse for the 108th Philippine Open is $1 million.
Reporting by Gerald Queen 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.