Sean Ramos brings international breakthrough to South Pacific Classic

DAVAO CITY — Sean Ramos returns to the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) with renewed confidence following his breakthrough victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in Egypt, hoping to carry his international success into another title run at the ICTSI South Pacific Classic.

The 22-year-old Filipino golfer secured his return to the Asian Tour in 2027 after winning an ADT event in Egypt last month, marking a significant step in his professional career.

Armed with a sharper game, valuable international experience and growing maturity, Ramos will compete in the PHP 2.5 million championship beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20, at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao City.

His participation strengthens an already competitive field in the tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., with several established champions and rising stars seeking another victory on the domestic circuit.

Ramos made his mark on the PGT in 2024 when, at 20, he stunned veteran campaigners Reymon Jaraula and Tony Lascuña to capture his first professional title at Lakewood.

However, a second championship proved elusive as he went winless in 2025, a frustrating stretch that motivated him to improve his game and compete at a higher level.

His qualification for the Asian Tour in 2024 marked another milestone, but his first season on the region’s premier professional circuit ended with the loss of his playing privileges.

Rather than allow the setback to derail his career, Ramos returned to the ADT, the Asian Tour’s developmental circuit, determined to regain his place among the region’s leading professionals.

He accomplished that goal by winning the first of two ADT tournaments in Egypt, a result that helped propel him to third place in the season-ending Order of Merit standings.

The achievement earned him another Asian Tour card for 2027 and highlighted his development as a professional golfer.

Ramos continued to display his improved form at the Macau Open, where he was in contention for a top-10 finish as of press time.

Despite his international commitments, Ramos has competed in only two PGT tournaments this season.

One of those appearances resulted in a tie for sixth place at the season-opening Lakewood leg, the same venue where he secured his breakthrough professional victory two years earlier.

His recent international experience and improved confidence now make him a serious contender heading into the Davao tournament.

However, Ramos faces a formidable field featuring established champions, multiple tournament winners and other players with international experience.

Leading the contenders is reigning PGT Order of Merit champion Angelo Que, who has already captured two tournament victories this season.

The field also includes defending South Pacific champion Jeffren Lumbo, who returns to a venue where he previously demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.

Other leading contenders include Clyde Mondilla, Keanu Jahns, Rupert Zaragosa, Zanieboy Gialon, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula and local standout Jhonnel Ababa.

Zaragosa enters the tournament with momentum following his one-stroke victory at last week’s ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship.

His triumph reinforced the competitive nature of the PGT, where several recent tournaments have been decided by narrow margins.

Russel Bautista, Dino Villanueva, Michael Bibat, Elee Bisera, Marvin Dumandan and Negros Occidental champion Art Arbole are also expected to challenge for the South Pacific crown.

Fidel Concepcion returns to competition as he prepares to defend his title at Apo Golf and Country Club the following week.

Asian Games veteran Carl Corpus and Aidric Chan are also back in the field, bringing additional international experience to the tournament.

Both players previously captured victories on the ADT, sweeping the Morocco stops last year and adding further depth to an already competitive lineup.

With Ramos seeking to extend his winning momentum and several PGT regulars aiming to strengthen their positions before the season finale, the ICTSI South Pacific Classic promises another closely contested battle for the championship.