Gaganjeet Bhullar was in the top 10 after a darkness-interrupted first day of the Moutai Singapore Open on Thursday with five others Indians also in the fray. Image courtesy Asian Tour.
By Rahul Banerji
Six Indians are in the field for the Moutai Singapore Open that teed off at Singapore Island Country Club on Thursday with Gaganjeet Bhullar the best-placed on an incomplete first day.
Korea’s Jeonghun was atop the leaderboard on 8 under par 64 after darkness ended play early with a three-way tie for second on 65 behind him.
Bhullar shared 10th place on a completed 5 under 67.
With LIV Golf both opening its qualifying doors to more hopefuls and shifting to a 72-hole format in the 2026 seasons, the stakes are significantly higher for those in contention.
Last week, LIV said that the top two on the International Series (IS) Order of Merit would go straight into the league against one qualifier in the past.
There is also the LIV Golf Promotions in Florida early next year that will hand cards to a further two players, making Singapore a crucial week for those in the race for IS rankings.
Early advantage
The leading 10 exempt players from the top 20 of the rankings will gain a bye into round two of the event, which takes place at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida from January 8 to 11.
The next 25 available players from within the top 40 will earn a place in the first round.
Bhullar is currently ranked 30 and therefore eligible for a place in the first round while S.S.P. Chawrasia, Shiv Kapur, Chikkarangappa S., Ajeetesh Sandhu and Viraj Madappa need a big weekend in Singapore.
Currently second behind Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent after his stunning win at the IS Philippines last week, Miguel Tabuena admitted that a chance to play on the LIV Golf League was “nowhere near my radar” just over two weeks ago.
There are just two events to go, at Singapore and the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers the week after next.
At the time of Tabuena’s win in Manila, only the winner of the rankings qualified for the league. However earlier this week it was announced the top two will go through next year.
Surprise benefit
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tabuena said: “Yeah, was nowhere near my radar before the Philippines, for sure. But after that week at home, it certainly is.
“It is not something that I have to force to happen. It’s something where you have to stick to your game plan, stick to what works for you and just let everything happen on its own.”
England’s Paul Casey saw first-hand the talent fighting it out on The International Series for those two spots next season, as he played with Tabuena for two rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open.
Casey said: “I have seen Miguel’s career. There are a lot of golfers you don’t necessarily pay radical attention to guys and dissect their games. Of course, I pay attention to results.
“We were paired together last week, and it is no surprise. What did he start off? Three birdies in his first three holes, or something like that? His golf game has matured and I don’t see any weakness.”
Keen contests
Of the Rankings race for the two places on LIV Golf, and spots on the LIV Golf Promotions event to fight it out for another two golden tickets, he said: “I find that bit fascinating. I actually love the fact there are two spots.
“I am a big fan of that. You have a season long race to earn your spot or promotion, whatever you call it, to LIV Golf and that is fully deserved.
“It is an exciting part of sport. I mean, to me, it is always when you get to the crux of a season, that is some of the most exciting sport you can watch.”
Earlier, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said, “LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league.
“As fan interest in LIV Golf continues to increase and the opportunity to compete against some of the biggest names in golf grows, it’s only natural that we broaden access for talented, ambitious players to earn their way into the league.”
Vincent (325.59 points) and Tabuena (221.19 points) are first and second currently.
Proven pathway
“We offer a proven pathway onto the LIV Golf League and with this season’s route offering not one but two opportunities to progress, there is a real life-changing opportunity for our players to grasp,” said Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series.
“The International Series is committed to presenting our players with opportunity, be it the pathway to LIV Golf or the majors, or the chance to compete with world-class players.
“We also provide talent on the regional level with the chance to compete against proven champions, and recent results – where Asian Tour players have triumphed, is clear evidence that standards are rising because of The International Series.”
Also read: LIV Golf announces shift to 72-hole format for 2026 season
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