Strong start for Bhullar as golf stars battle in Manila

Gaganjeet Bhullar produced a sparkling performance to emerge as the top Indian golfer on the opening day of the US$2 million International Series Philippines, carding a 5-under 67 to share the seventh spot at Sta. Elena Golf Club.

The multiple Asian Tour winner displayed fine touch and composure, registering six birdies against a single bogey. Starting on the back nine, Bhullar made five birdies between the 12th and 18th holes before dropping a lone bogey on the third. He bounced back immediately with a birdie on the ninth, finishing the day strongly.

Other Indians had mixed fortunes. Ajeetesh Sandhu (70) and Karandeep Kochhar (70) were tied for 35th, while SSP Chawrasia (74) stood T-108 and Rayhan Thomas (77) T-137. The projected cut for the tournament was 1-under 71.

Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut set a brisk pace with an eight-under 64, claiming a one-shot lead. The in-form Thai recovered from an early bogey with nine birdies, edging Japan’s Kazuki Higa, a two-time winner this season.

Conditions at Sta. Elena was ideal, particularly in the morning, allowing several players to score freely. England’s LIV Golf star Richard Bland had a bogey on the ninth and was tied third at 66 alongside Americans Charles Porter and George Kneiser, and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.

LIV Golf star and former world No.1 Dustin Johnson made a strong debut in the Philippines with a 67. Despite a double bogey on the 15th and two other bogeys, he ended the day tied for seventh, sharing the spot with Bhullar, Americans Austen Truslow and MJ Maguire, South Africa’s Dean Burmester, China’s Guxin Chen, and Germany’s Maximilian Rottluff.

Bhullar’s steady start keeps India in contention as the International Series Philippines promises an exciting week of competitive golf with top talent from around the world.