Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

IN THE recently concluded Southern California Junior PGA (Professional Golf Academy) Championship tournament in La Jolla, California, a 15-year old Filipino won first place in the 13-15 division and was the overall champion including the 16-18 division. Miguel Luis "Mig" Lopez Tabuena thus earned the coveted spot to represent Southern California in the US Junior PGA Championship to be held in Indiana next month

Miguel was born on October 13, 1994 in Manila, the youngest son of Luigi Tabuena and Lorna Lopez, both accomplished golfers themselves. The nephew of Martin Nievera, Mig has an older brother, film director Luis Tabuena, and three sisters Michelle, Denise and Danielle.

Previously studying at the International School Manila, Mig is now on his ninth year, being home schooled in order to maximize his participation in local and foreign golf competitions.

A naturally born golfer, Miguel started to play golf at one and a half years old. In diapers and in between bottles of milk, he swung a plastic club wherever he could, including the hallways of his home.

By the time he was two, Miguel was at the driving range hitting up to 7 buckets of real balls with a plastic club. When all his plastic clubs had broken, his parents decided to cut off an old Mizuno 5 wood to fit his size. This "historical" piece of equipment now stands at the Museo Pambata as a testament of Miguel’s accomplishments.

At the age of five, Miguel started competing in the Philippine Junior Golf tournaments in Manila. At 6, he qualified and entered his first Junior World Championships in San Diego, California. This is his tenth year in that prestigious competition.

In spite of the wide and varied field of junior players who enter these events, It is worthwhile to note that Miguel has always been in contention, and has emerged either as champion or runner up or at least in the top five or ten. His name has consistently been on the leader board in every competition.

Asked by Asian Journal, Mig credits his success to the following: "Above all else, to God, Who gave me this gift and this I recognize and acknowledge wherever and whenever I play. Then, of course, my family, specially my Dad, whose patience and encouragement inspires me to always do better. My mom and my siblings all play a role in my chosen career. My family surrounds me with love and rallies behind me, coming together to support me as Team Tabuena. I must mention my coaches, Victor Macutay who coached me from age 9 to 12, and my present coach Rick Gibson," said Mig.

Miguel has competed in challenging courses in the Philippines and the international circuits, repeatedly finishing at first place for his division or just as consistently placing among the top five.