French golfer Julien Sale has made a sensational start to his Asian Tour career, clinching victory at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open in Manila. Playing at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club’s Masters Course, the 28-year-old delivered a stunning final-round 65 (-5) to claim his maiden win on the tour with a total of 269 (-11). Sale’s remarkable performance, which saw him leap from third place to the top, marks a triumphant debut for the golfer who secured his Asian Tour card just months ago.
A thrilling final-round comeback
Sale’s victory came down to an exceptional final round that featured seven birdies and just two bogeys. Starting the day in third place, he outpaced Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura, who finished tied for second at 270 (-10). Ikemura, the leader after three rounds, faltered under the pressure, paving the way for Sale’s ascension.
Other notable performances included Australian Kevin Yuan, who finished fourth at 272 (-8), and a three-way tie for fifth place at 273 (-7) featuring Filipino Miguel Tabuena, Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, and South Africa’s Ian Snyman.
Stefano Mazzoli’s steady finish
Italy’s Stefano Mazzoli, competing in his second season on the Asian Tour, finished tied for 40th place with a total score of 280 (par). While his tournament wasn’t headline-grabbing, Mazzoli’s final-round 68 (-2), featuring five birdies and three bogeys, allowed him to climb 16 spots on the leaderboard. The former “Rookie of the Year” remains a player to watch as he builds on his strong debut season in 2024.
Sale’s journey and prize
Julien Sale, who spent the last two seasons on the Challenge Tour, proved his mettle in Manila by handling the pressure of elite competition with poise. His victory earned him a $90,000 winner’s check from the $500,000 prize pool and solidified his status as a rising star on the Asian Tour.
“This is just the beginning for Julien Sale,” remarked one analyst. “He’s shown that he can perform under pressure and adapt to a new competitive landscape. Expect big things from him in the coming months.”
The broader context: The rules that shape golf
Sale’s win is a testament not just to skill but to the integrity and precision that golf demands. Governed globally by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (except in the U.S. and Mexico, where the USGA holds sway), the Rules of Golf are central to the sport’s identity. These rules, revised every four years, ensure fair play and maintain balance by refining penalties and enhancing clarity.
Italy’s Federgolf oversees the enforcement of these rules within the country, ensuring that clubs and players adhere to the standards set by the R&A and managing sporting justice. This structure underpins the global appeal of golf, ensuring consistency across tournaments like the Smart Infinity Philippine Open.
What’s next for the Asian Tour?
The Smart Infinity Philippine Open sets the tone for an exciting season on the Asian Tour, with new talents like Sale making their mark and seasoned players like Mazzoli striving for continued success. As the tour progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and emerging stars shaping the future of golf.