Bhullar’s Brilliant return with a 64

November 28, 2013. The brilliance of India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, which was missing for a while, returned with a bang when he shot a seven-under-par 64 to hold a two-shot lead after the opening round at the Indonesia Open on Thursday.

The tenacious Indian, who is playing in his 10th straight event, held an edge over the chasing pack after shooting a flawless round highlighted by seven birdies at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, who finished tied fifth in the Philippines two weeks ago,  stayed two shots back from Bhullar.

[highlight] Mentally I know that I always try to win every tournament I play in. I didn’t play bad at all last week. It was just a matter of a few bad bounces [/highlight]

They are tied for second alongside Americans Anthony Kang and Berry Henson, Korean Mo Joong-kyung and Malaysia’s Shaaban Hussin at the Pantai Indah Kapuk course at Damai Indah Golf.

Playing in Indonesia, the country where he won his first Asian Tour title in 2009, has brought out the best in Bhullar, who missed only one fairway and was equally dominant on the greens where he made 27 putts.

After turning in 34, Bhullar, ranked sixth on the Order of Merit, shifted into fifth gear and was rewarded with five straight birdies starting from the fourth hole.

“The way I’ve been striking the ball from the first tee, I knew I could go low because my striking was right up there. Once my putts started falling, that’s when I went really low,” said the four-time Asian Tour winner.

The 25-year-old Bhullar finished second at the Avantha Masters on home soil in March but has struggled to emulate last year’s performance where he won two titles. However, he remains upbeat and is prepared to make amends after finishing last among the elite 60-man field at the World Cup of Golf in Australia last week.

“Mentally I know that I always try to win every tournament I play in. I didn’t play bad at all last week. It was just a matter of a few bad bounces. I wasn’t upset with my performance because I was hitting the ball good. It is only a matter of time before my short game improved and it happened today,” said Bhullar.

Sujjan Singh is the next best placed Indian tied 8th at the tournament with four-under-67. Seasosned Jyoti Randhawa is tied 22nd after opening round of 69. Abhinav Lohan is placed 30th and Anirban Lahiri is positioned at 43rd place after Thursday’s play.