Tabuena ready to shine anew

MIGUEL Tabuena makes his return to a PGA Tour event in the Sony Open in Hawaii on Thursday confident he can make an impact on the back of a breakout season in the Asian Tour.

The newly crowned Philippine Open champion is vying in the $5.8 million tournament for the first time since he turned pro as an 18year-old four years ago.

Armed with more experience, Tabuena feels he can pick up from where he left off last year when he nailed his first Asian Tour win in the Philippine Open.

“After mybest season so far last year, I’ve got that sense of belief in myself now that I go into every tournament I play confident I can win,” said Tabuena. “I believe I have matured mentally, emotionally and physically. It also helps to have eight professional victories now, it's definitely a confidence boost.”

The tournament is set at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu until Jan. 17.