Miguel Tabuena stepped onto the Riyadh Golf Club under the dazzling lights, marking his highly anticipated debut in the LIV Golf League. The Filipino golfer, playing for 4Aces Golf Club, faced a formidable challenge: proving his place among major champions and the world’s elite.
Tabuena began steadily, navigating his first two holes with precision. A momentary setback on the par-4 No. 12 resulted in a bogey, but his resolve remained unbroken. He immediately countered with a surge of birdies, sinking shots on the 13th, 16th, and first holes.
A single dropped shot on the par-3 No. 5 completed his opening round, resulting in a respectable one-under 71 (36-35). This score positioned him in a tie for 35th place, a solid start in a fiercely competitive field.
The leaders, Tabuena’s 4Aces teammate Thomas Detry and RangeCoat GC’s Peter Uihlein, set a blistering pace with flawless rounds of 65. They claimed the top spot, one stroke ahead of Elvis Smylie.
Detry, also a debutant, admitted to initial nerves but credited his exceptional driving as the key to his success. “First day on the job, so a little bit of a change for me, so a bit nervous,” he shared, highlighting how his powerful drives simplified the rest of his game.
Tabuena finished six strokes behind the leaders, setting the stage for a compelling second round in the $20-million nighttime event. His opening performance demonstrated a clear determination to compete at the highest level.
