Bhullar Keeps India in Contention as Limited Representation Survives Singapore Cut

Gaganjeet Bhullar emerged as India’s leading contender at the Singapore Open, positioning himself firmly in the hunt for his first International Series title after a steady two-round performance at the Sentosa Golf Club. 

In a tournament that saw a significant Indian presence reduced sharply after the cut, Bhullar’s consistency ensured that India retained a foothold heading into the weekend rounds. The 11-time Asian Tour winner added a 3-under 68 to his opening round of 67, moving to 10-under overall and into a share of third place. His performance places him just three strokes behind the leader, Korea’s Jeongwoo Ham, as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

Bhullar’s second round was defined by control and recovery. For large stretches, he maintained a bogey-free run that extended across 31 holes, including all 18 from the opening round and the first 13 holes of his second. This level of consistency allowed him to build momentum without taking unnecessary risks.

However, the middle stretch of his round presented a brief challenge. Consecutive bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes threatened to derail his progress, but Bhullar responded with composure. Birdies on the 16th and 18th ensured he recovered those dropped shots, finishing with a round that kept him within striking distance of the lead. At 10-under, Bhullar finds himself in a competitive position on a leaderboard that remains tightly packed. His experience on the Asian Tour, where he has accumulated multiple victories, provides him with a strong foundation as he approaches the weekend. Despite not playing a full schedule in recent months, his ability to remain consistent across both rounds highlights his adaptability and readiness for contention.

While Bhullar’s performance stands out, the broader picture for Indian golf in Singapore reflects a challenging week. Out of a sizeable contingent, only two other Indians made the cut Pukhraj Gill and Karandeep Kochhar, both of whom are also part of the AM Green Indian Golf Premier League. Gill, with rounds of 71 and 70, sits tied for 38th, while Kochhar’s scores of 71 and 71 place him just behind. Both players will now aim to improve their positions over the weekend, though their starting points suggest that a top finish would require significantly lower rounds in the final two days.

The rest of the Indian contingent failed to progress beyond the cut line. Experienced names such as Ajeetesh Sandhu, Rashid Khan, Shiv Kapur, SSP Chawrasia, and others were unable to sustain the level required across both rounds. Additionally, Jeev Milkha Singh was forced to withdraw due to injury, further reducing India’s representation. This outcome highlights the competitive nature of the field, particularly in events that form part of The International Series. With stronger global participation and demanding course conditions, maintaining consistency across two rounds becomes critical, and even minor lapses can result in missed cuts.

At the top of the leaderboard, Jeongwoo Ham has emerged as a surprise leader. The Korean golfer, who has limited experience on the Asian Tour outside his home circuit, followed up his opening performance with a 3-under 68 to reach 10-under. His round included four birdies and a single dropped shot, demonstrating a balanced approach on the challenging Serapong Course.

Ham’s rise is notable given his relative inexperience at this level. While he has recorded multiple wins on the Korean PGA Tour, his exposure on the Asian Tour has been limited. His current position represents a significant opportunity to translate domestic success into a breakthrough international victory. Close behind him is Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, who returned a strong 66 to remain within two shots of the lead. As a former champion at this venue, Jazz brings both familiarity and experience, making him one of the key contenders heading into the weekend.

Bhullar, sharing third place with Japan’s Tomohiro Ishizaka, is part of a group that remains well within reach of the leaders. With only a narrow gap separating the top positions, the final two rounds are likely to be defined by consistency and the ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities. The Serapong Course at Sentosa presents a specific set of challenges, particularly with its demanding layout and exposure to coastal conditions. Precision off the tee and control on approach shots become critical, especially as pressure builds over the weekend. For players like Bhullar, who rely on experience and course management, these conditions can be an advantage.

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For India, the focus now shifts almost entirely to Bhullar’s performance. His position on the leaderboard offers a realistic opportunity to contend for the title, provided he can maintain the level of consistency shown in the opening rounds. The ability to avoid costly errors while capitalising on key holes will be crucial. The limited number of Indians making the cut also reflects the need for greater consistency across the field. While individual performances like Bhullar’s demonstrate capability, sustained representation in the later stages of such tournaments remains an area for improvement.

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the margins at the top remain narrow. Bhullar’s experience, combined with his current form, positions him as a serious contender. Whether he can convert that into a title will depend on execution over the final two rounds, where the pressure intensifies and opportunities become more defined.

For now, India’s hopes in Singapore rest on a familiar name one who has delivered consistently over the years and now finds himself within reach of another significant milestone.