Staff WriterPavit Tangkamolprasert is making the Jakarta International Championship look like his personal putting playground. The Thai star rolled in birdies like coins into a Vegas slot machine—four in a row during Friday’s second round—to seize the halfway lead at Damai Indah Golf’s PIK Course in North Jakarta.
A sparkling five-under-par 65, tacked on to his opening 64, means Pavit has racked up an astonishing 13 birdies in just 36 holes. At 11-under, he leads the US$2 million event by one shot heading into the weekend.
Hot on his heels are India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and England’s Steve Lewton. Bhullar, a seasoned winner on Indonesian turf, matched Pavit’s 65, while Lewton—last year’s Mandiri Indonesia Open champion on this very course—signed for a 64. Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool turned heads with a sizzling 62 to sit one stroke further back in the 13th stop of the Asian Tour season and the fifth leg of The International Series.
Back From the Brink
Just three weeks ago, Pavit’s back was in worse shape than a dodgy rental cart. He withdrew after the second round of the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea, unable to even address the ball.
“Yeah, it happened in Shinhan after the second round. I hurt my back. I made the cut but decided to pull out, because I wanted to save my back. I could not even address my ball, so I went back to Thailand, saw my physio, and got some mobility,” explained the 36-year-old.
His comeback since has been quietly impressive—20th at the Yeangder TPC, a missed cut at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, and now, suddenly, leading the Jakarta International Championship.
“It got better in Yeangder and Mercuries and then this week it’s like almost 100% okay. Today was just like yesterday, you know, when I rolled in the first putt, it felt good, and then it just continued.”
Pavit hasn’t lifted an Asian Tour trophy since the 2019 Sabah Masters, but with eight Asian Development Tour titles—more than anyone else—he knows how to close when the scent of victory is in the air.
Bhullar Back on His Favourite Turf
If Indonesia had citizenship for prolific birdie-makers, Gaganjeet Bhullar might qualify. The 11-time Asian Tour winner fired seven birdies and two bogeys to keep himself firmly in the hunt. He knows this course like his own backyard—he won the Indonesia Open here in 2013 and the BNI Indonesian Masters just last year.
“It feels good to be back. I first played this golf course in 2008, again in 2009, and then won here in 2013. Coming back brings a lot of positive memories. Walking down the stairs and seeing my picture as one of the past champions is motivating – it really reminds me of the success I’ve had here.
“Indonesia has been very kind to me. That always stays in the back of your mind when you’re playing in this part of the world. The goal is to stay positive and try to build on what I did over the last 36 holes.”
Lewton Lurking, Ormsby Hanging On
Steve Lewton’s 64 suggests he’s ready to defend his turf with typical English understatement. “So far, I’d probably say I’ve played slightly better this year than when I started last year. It’s a course that suits my eye, and I like playing golf in Indonesia, don’t know why, not even sure.”
Australia’s Wade Ormsby carded a 68 to sit solo fifth, three off the lead, while Japan’s Kazuki Higa—the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader thanks to back-to-back September wins—posted a 69 to reach four under.
Weekend Showdown Brewing
With Pavit’s putter red-hot, Bhullar channelling past glories, and Lewton clearly feeling at home, the weekend at the Jakarta International Championship is shaping up for a proper shootout.
If the birdies keep flowing like this, brace yourself—by Sunday, Damai Indah might need a new scoreboard.
