Gaganjeet Bhullar off to strong start at Moutai Singapore Open

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar opened with a solid 5-under 67 to sit tied for 10th after the first round of the Moutai Singapore Open at Singapore Island Country Club.

Bhullar made seven birdies against two bogeys in the US$2 million event, finishing three shots behind leader Jeunghun Wang of Korea, who fired a superb 8-under 64 on a day when scoring proved tricky.

After a steady start featuring three birdies and two bogeys in his first 12 holes, Bhullar caught fire between the 13th and 17th, reeling off four birdies in five holes to close out his round. Among the other Indians, Ajeetesh Sandhu and veteran S.S.P. Chawrasia carded matching 70s to sit three strokes behind Bhullar.

Wang, a three-time European Tour winner, led the field with nine birdies and a single bogey in his 64. The 30-year-old, who returned to competition after completing national service, said:

“I haven’t won in almost eight years, so I really want to get a win again. My irons were solid and the putter was hot today.”

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Gunn Charoenkul, and Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent were a shot behind at 7-under 65, while Germany’s Dominic Foos and three Americans — Micah Shin, Ollie Schniederjans, and Caleb Surratt — joined Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong at 66.

Singapore amateur Troy Storm impressed with a 67 to emerge as the top local player. Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kazuki Higa of Japan shot 70, while International Series leader Scott Vincent returned a 72.

Photo – Gaganjeet Bhullar/Asian Tour