Justin Quiban just punched his ticket to the Rocket Classic with a ridiculous 6-under 66 in Monday’s qualifier, capping off a journey that started more than 8,000 miles from Detroit. This guy grew up in the Philippines, and now he’s teeing it up at Detroit Golf Club for only his second PGA Tour stop ever, his first since way back in 2021. You talk about earning your shot, this is it.
The Globetrotting Golfer Who Never Stops
This isn’t some quick hop over for Quiban. He’s been living the life of a true golfing globetrotter, a regular on the Asian Tour for years. This season alone, he’s been from his home country to New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Morocco. After that Morocco swing last month, he decided to visit his brother in Los Angeles, which led to a wild turn of events. He actually *missed* the registration deadline for the 3M Open’s pre-qualifier, a total “oops” moment. But did that stop him? Nah. He just signed up for the *next* pre-qualifier, tied for fourth at Twin Lakes, and kept rolling. “It’s for me,” the 30-year-old Quiban said about this crazy lifestyle. “I’m enjoying my time. I love traveling. I love meeting new people. This lifestyle is perfect for me. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to see the world and play the game that I love, wherever it takes me.” That fire? You gotta love it.
The Monday Grind Was Real
Quiban was one of four players who absolutely grinded through Monday’s qualifier at The Orchards Golf Club. He shot that incredible 6-under 66, booking his Thursday tee time at DGC. It wasn’t easy either, he was 1 under through his first 11 holes after a bogey on the par-3 second. He knew he had to turn it on, and he did: birdies at the par-4 fourth and par-3 fifth, then an eagle on the par-5 sixth, plus one more birdie. Joining him were Keenan Huskey, who medaled with an 8-under 64, Daniel Azallion, and Ryan Celano, both also shooting 66. These four Monday qualifiers have a combined four PGA Tour starts with zero made cuts. It just shows you how tough it is to break through.
This week, the Rocket Classic runs Thursday through Sunday. For Quiban, just getting in feels like a win, but he’s already dreaming bigger. Four Monday qualifiers have won on the PGA Tour since 1983, with Corey Conners doing it most recently in 2019. Quiban even joked with his girlfriend, who lives in Australia, “Imagine if I win it, I won’t be able to see you… she’s gonna hate me more, but she’s gonna love me more.” This guy is living his dream, and we’re all gonna watch to see what he does next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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