Watson eager to compete at International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is set to compete at International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus next month, and the RangeGoats GC captain called it a rare privilege to compete in a new destination and an ideal way to keep his game sharp in the LIV Golf League offseason.

One of the most recognisable figures in golf, Watson is coming off a strong season on the LIV Golf League, finishing 11th overall with four top-10 finishes - including a runner-up result in the United Kingdom. With the 2025 LIV Golf season now wrapped up, Watson is relishing the opportunity to tee it up in the Philippines for the very first time.

The US$2million event will be played at Sta Elena Golf Club from Oct. 23-26 and is the sixth date on The International Series this year.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Philippines,” Watson said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the country, the courses, and the fans. Experiencing new cultures is always exciting, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the crowd. Hopefully there are a few Bubba Watson fans out there to cheer me on.

“Any time you visit a place for the first time, learning and experiencing new cultures is an honour and a privilege. Not everyone gets the chance to travel the world, so for me, being able to explore how a golf course has been designed to fit the land is the fun and fascinating part, it’s a new adventure.”

For Watson, the trip is about more than just competition. He sees it as a chance to help inspire the next generation of golfers.

“When major champions or top players compete in new markets, it creates opportunities for young people to see the game up close. Hopefully they’ll not only enjoy the golf but also feel inspired to pick up the game themselves,” he said.

The 45-year-old knows how valuable tournaments on The International Series can be. A headline-grabbing hole-in-one and top-20 finish at last season’s Indonesian Masters in Jakarta was the spark needed to overcome a challenging point in his career and lead to a return to form on LIV Golf.

Two of his RangeGoats GC team members, Ben Campbell and Peter Uihlein, are multiple winners on the series. Campbell’s victories in Hong Kong in 2023 and Morocco in 2024 were part of an impressive run of form that caught the attention and propelled the New Zealander onto the LIV Golf League, while Uihlein also made headlines with wins in England and Qatar last season.

“Events like these are great for players," Watson said. "They give you a chance to stay sharp in the off-season and build momentum.

“I’ve seen what it’s done for my teammates, Ben Campbell and Peter Uihlein, and it shows how important this pathway is for the growth of the game worldwide.”

Looking back on his own 2025 campaign, Watson is upbeat about his progress.

“This year was a very good one," Watson said. "My putting has been more consistent, and that’s lifted my confidence across the board. It’s something I want to keep building on for the years ahead.”

He’s also clear-eyed about the areas he’s working to improve as he prepares for new challenges on unfamiliar ground.

“The biggest focus for me right now is on the physical side, training differently, preparing my body to handle travel, and recovering better when moving across time zones," Watson said. "That recovery process during tournaments is always the toughest part ... From a golf standpoint, it’s really about dialing in the putting. The more I work on the greens, the more confidence I gain across my whole game.

“Every year you learn something new, how to recover smarter, what routines work, and what you need to improve. Especially as you get older, it’s about managing your sleep and energy so you can compete at your best. Playing in new destinations like the Philippines is the perfect chance to put all of that into practice.”

Following his debut in the Philippines, Watson will head to Hong Kong to compete at the Link Hong Kong Open, the seventh elevated event on the Asian Tour’s International Series schedule.

The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus takes place from Oct. 23–26 at Sta. Elena Golf Club. One of nine enhanced events on the Asian Tour calendar this season, it offers a pathway into LIV Golf through the season-long rankings and combines world-class competition with a vibrant festival atmosphere, featuring headline concerts, live music, gourmet dining, premium hospitality, and interactive fan experiences.

For ticket information, click here.