Mixed Results for Indian Golfers at International Series Morocco

Indian Golfers' Mixed Fortunes

Gaganjeet Bhullar from India recorded a score of 4-under 69, moving up to T27 ahead of the final round of the US$2 million International Series Morocco at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat. The 11-time Asian Tour champion achieved four birdies while only dropping one shot during the challenging third round.

In contrast, Ajeetesh Sandhu fell to T47. Despite making six birdies, his performance was marred by five bogeys and a double bogey, resulting in a score of 1-over for the day, as reported in a press release.

Bhullar expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, 'I felt I hit the ball really well today; I probably hit 14 out of 17 fairways. I gave myself numerous birdie chances, made five birdies, and dropped one shot on the last. Overall, it was a good day for ball striking, and I putted well. With a few more good breaks, it could have gone differently.' He plans to maintain his routine and approach in the final round.

Watson Takes Narrow Lead

Karandeep Kochhar concluded the third round with a score of 2-under 71, including five birdies. Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion and captain of the RangeGoats GC on LIV Golf, managed to secure the lead despite a late setback. The 47-year-old American appeared to be in control on the challenging par-73 Red Course, making five birdies in his first 13 holes.

However, Watson faced back-to-back bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes but regained a shot on the par-4 17th. He finished with a score of four-under-par 69, holding a slim one-shot lead over Thailand's 2022 champion Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Hong Kong's Taichi Kho (68).

Chasers in Hot Pursuit

The players trailing Watson had varied experiences in the final stretch. Jazz finished strong with a birdie-eagle, while Kho could only manage par on the last two holes, including a water hazard on the 17th. Japan's Takanori Konishi shot a bogey-free 66, aiming for his first win outside Japan, and joined Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert (72) in a tie for fourth at 12 under. Julien Sale (68) from France and Suteepat Prateeptienchai (70) from Thailand were tied for sixth at 11-under.

Despite not hitting many fairways (eight of 15), Watson successfully reached 15 greens in regulation. His most cherished birdie came from 12 feet on the 10th hole, following Pavit's impressive eagle on the same hole. Taichi, who was the runner-up on the Japan Golf Tour last week, recorded six birdies and one bogey in his 68. The International Series Morocco is the third leg of the elevated events on the Asian Tour and marks its fourth occurrence in Morocco.