Quiban ready to take on PGA stars
Justin Raphael Quiban said he had a good night sleep after replying to tons of messages in his mobile phone which he didn’t mind.
“I like it,” said the 25-year-old who on Monday became the first Filipino to qualify for a US PGA Tour event after shooting a spectacular eight-under par 63.
What made it more remarkable was the fact that Quiban went seven-under in the back nine after reaching the turn on 1-under.
Two days before his dream appearance in the 3M Open Championship, a $6.6 million event in Blaine, Minnesota, Quiban is surprisingly calm despite being among the game’s biggest superstars.
His friend and caddie, fellow touring pro Joseph Suarez, has arrived after taking the first flight out of Virginia.
Quiban, who played his first practice round on Tuesday, finds the TPC Twin Cities course scorable.
“Few holes you have to play conservative, but a bunch in the back nine, you could play aggressively,” he said. Quiban said the greens are quick.
“I need a few to adjust to the speed,” he said.
Having played the Maybank Championship of the Asian Development Tour in 2019, Quiban said he isn’t too overwhelmed with the PGA Tour setup.
“So, I think I’m getting accustomed to the environment,” he said.
Trying not to be star-struck, Quiban said he saw Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, Pat Perez and Dustin Johnson during practice.
Few holes you have to play conservative, but a bunch in the back nine, you could play aggressively.
“I played behind the flight of Patrick Reed, Matthew Wolff and Kiradech Aphibarnrat,” he said.
Quiban’s feat electrified the local golf community with coach Bong Lopez and Japan campaigner Angelo Que leading the well-wishers.
Lopez, who took Quiban under his wings before the pandemic, said he has the length and putting skills to do well in elite tournaments.
“Justin is one of the longest hitters on the tour and that’s a big advantage,” Lopez said.
“He just has to control his excitement in the first two days and he should be okay.”
Que, on the other hand, said he’s happy, proud and excited for Quiban.
“I’m not surprised by Quiban’s score. He’s capable of doing it,” he said.
Quiban’s surprise stint in the world’s biggest stage could pave the way for Filipino pros to bring their game in the United States.
Miguel Tabuena, who played in the
Rio de Janeiro Olympics, is now in the US preparing for the Korn Ferry Tour Q-School.
Lopez said Quiban went to the US to stay in shape while waiting for the resumption of the local men’s tour.
With the help of family and friends, Quiban took part in minor tour events while waiting for a big break.
That came on Monday when he played his best-ever nine holes.