India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is ready to turn the page on recent heartbreak as he tees off this week at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, determined to reignite his season against one of the strongest fields ever assembled on the Asian Tour.
Just three weeks after a frustrating finish at the Jakarta International Championship, where he slipped from contention in the final round to finish T19, the 11-time Asian Tour winner arrives in Manila with renewed focus and a refreshed mindset both physically and mentally as the International Series enters its decisive stretch. Bhullar’s 2025 season has been marked by steady performances and flashes of brilliance, but the elusive big finish has kept him from making the leap up the International Series Rankings the season-long race that offers a coveted pathway into LIV Golf.
In Jakarta, the 36-year-old Indian found himself tied for the lead going into the final day alongside Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Australia’s Wade Ormsby, both multiple winners on the Tour. For much of the week, Bhullar looked poised to end his title drought, showing impeccable ball striking and poise under pressure.
However, a difficult final round saw him post a four-over-par, dropping out of contention as Ormsby surged ahead to win by a single shot over Vincent. That result lifted Ormsby the 2023 International Series Thailand champion to third in the rankings, while Vincent’s runner-up finish propelled him to the top, positioning him strongly for next season’s LIV Golf spot.
Bhullar, meanwhile, sits in 35th place on the rankings, aware that the next month could define his season.
“It has been a really good year,” Bhullar said ahead of the tournament. “I’ve been striking the ball well and staying consistent. In Jakarta, I led for most of the tournament, but Wade played brilliantly down the stretch. I’ve been working hard on my mental game focusing, visualizing, meditating and I feel both mentally and physically in a great place right now.”
A Renewed Approach and Calm Mindset
For Bhullar, 2025 has been as much about internal transformation as it has been about technical fine-tuning. Known for his calm demeanor and methodical approach, the Chandigarh-based golfer has been open about his efforts to enhance his mental resilience, a factor that can often prove decisive under the intense pressure of elite-level golf.
“I’ve learned to reset quickly, stay in the moment, and not carry one bad hole into the next,” he explained. “Golf is a game of patience and I’m embracing that more than ever. The goal is to keep putting myself in positions to win.”
Having returned to competitive fitness after a few injury niggles last season, Bhullar believes his game is trending in the right direction. His accuracy off the tee and control with the irons have been reliable strengths, and with more putts dropping, he’s confident of a strong finish in Manila.
The International Series Philippines this week boasts one of the most elite fields in Asian Tour history. Headlining the event are former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and Major champions Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen, alongside 11 other LIV Golf stars who bring with them global experience and crowd appeal. For Bhullar and the rest of the Asian contingent, the tournament offers both a stern test and a chance to measure themselves against some of the world’s best.
“The approach remains the same 72 holes, make more birdies, fewer bogeys,” Bhullar said with a smile. “But it’s fantastic to see such a strong field here. Having these superstars compete alongside Asian players is exactly what the International Series has been striving for. It’s not just great for us as professionals, but also for the growth and visibility of golf in Asia.”
Bhullar, who has won titles across Asia, Fiji, and Indonesia, relishes the challenge of competing on home turf in the region against world-class competition. His familiarity with Asian conditions humid climates, slower greens, and strategic layouts could prove an asset this week at The Country Club in Manila, a course known for its demanding fairways and risk-reward holes.
Indian Contingent Ready for the Challenge
Bhullar won’t be the only Indian name to watch in Manila. The field also includes Rayhan Thomas, one of the brightest young prospects in Indian golf; seasoned veterans SSP Chawrasia and Ajeetesh Sandhu; and Karandeep Kochhar, who continues to make steady strides on the Asian Tour.
Together, they represent a cross-section of India’s golfing present and future a blend of proven winners and emerging talent capable of challenging for top honors. With four International Series events remaining in the season and a flurry of ranking points up for grabs, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Bhullar and his compatriots aiming to finish strong and secure higher positions in the standings.
A Legacy Player Still Hungry for More
At 36, Bhullar remains one of India’s most successful golfers and one of the few to have sustained success across multiple eras of the Asian Tour. His record 11 career wins on the Tour speaks to a career defined by perseverance and professionalism. Yet, his hunger for more is undiminished. A victory this week would not only mark his first International Series title but also vault him back into contention for a top-10 finish in the season-long standings, keeping his LIV Golf aspirations alive.
As Bhullar summed it up, “Golf always gives you another week, another chance to prove yourself. I’ve been close a few times this year now it’s about converting that into a win.”
Other Indian players in the field:
Rayhan Thomas, SSP Chawrasia, Ajeetesh Sandhu, Karandeep Kochhar
Venue: The Country Club, Manila
Tour: Asian Tour – International Series presented by BingoPlus
As the International Series Philippines gets underway, Gaganjeet Bhullar stands at the crossroads of redemption and resurgence chasing not just victory, but validation of a season defined by persistence, patience, and the belief that his best golf is still ahead.
