Gaganjeet Bhullar battled tough conditions to stay inside the top five after round three of the Singapore Open presented by The Business Times.
On a demanding day at Sentosa’s Serapong course, Bhullar carded a 1-over 72 to slip slightly but remain firmly in contention at 6-under 207, tied fifth.
Korea’s Jeongwoo Ham continued his dominant run, firing a 68 to lead for the third straight day at the US$2 million International Series event.
Bhullar’s round was about damage control. An early double bogey on the third threatened to derail his charge.
“That was unfortunate. I hit a good drive but made a poor swing with the second and got into a tricky spot. I had a chance to save it but missed the putt,” he said.
He responded well with a birdie on the fourth and added another on the ninth, but the back nine didn’t yield enough chances — eight pars and a lone bogey preventing any forward move.
“It was hot and humid again, but I thought I played well. I just didn’t hole as many putts as the last two days,” Bhullar said. “Driving was probably the strongest part of my game today.”
Despite being seven shots behind, Bhullar remains optimistic. “With 18 holes to go, I’ll keep my head down and work on my putting,” he added.
He shares fifth place with Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig, who produced one of the rounds of the day with a 67.
Young Pukhraj Singh Gill continued his steady showing, carding a 72 to sit tied 45th at even-par, while Karandeep Kochhar struggled to a 77 and dropped to tied 67th.
At the top, Ham holds a four-shot lead over Australia’s Cameron John, who shot 67, while Japan’s Tomohiro Ishizaka sits third.
Ham credited his consistency on the greens. “It feels great seeing my name at the top every day. I hope it stays that way,” he said. “There’s no secret — I just try to get it done quickly in this heat.”
What it means: Bhullar stays in the hunt despite a tough day on a brutal course.
What’s next: Final round Sunday — Bhullar will need a low round and help from the leaders to mount a charge.
Photo – Asian Tour
