Bhullar starts strong in Philippines

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar continued his fine form on the Asian Tour, opening with a solid 5-under 67 to finish tied-seventh after the first round of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus at Sta. Elena Golf Club.

The 11-time Asian Tour winner began on the 10th hole and set the tone early with five birdies on his front nine. Despite a lone bogey on the par-5 third, Bhullar recovered superbly with a birdie on the eighth to stay just three shots behind Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, who led after a sizzling 8-under 64.

“It was a good ball-striking day,” Bhullar said. “I hit about 15 greens, holed some good putts, and stayed steady. The layout is beautiful — one of the best we’ve played in a long time. You really have to think off the tee here.”

The course impressed the field, including LIV Golf stars Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel, marking the Philippines’ first time hosting an International Series event.

Compatriots Ajeetesh Sandhu and Karandeep Kochhar ended the day at two-under, while SSP Chawrasia (+2) and Rayhan Thomas (+5) face an uphill battle to make the cut.

Bhullar, winner of last year’s BNI Indonesian Masters, has been one of Asia’s most consistent performers this season and sits 35th on the International Series Rankings. With three weeks of high-stakes golf ahead, including events in Hong Kong and Singapore, he’ll look to build momentum and move closer to earning a 2026 LIV Golf berth.

Photo – Asian Tour