Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

In becoming the first player to lift the Indonesian Open title on three occasions, Bhullar joined an elite group of players who have national Open hat-tricks in Asia to their name. The list includes Peter Thomson (Hong Kong Open and Indian Open); Jyoti Randhawa (Indian Open); Adam Scott (Singapore Open); Jumbo Ozaki and Tommy Nakajima (Japan Open); Lu Liang-huan (Philippine Open and Taiwan Open); and Miguel Angel Jimenez (Hong Kong Open). Among other things, Bhullar’s return to the winners’ enclosure was justification for a concerted effort to increase his swing speed by shedding some weight and improving his general fitness levels. He said: “I’ve been hitting the ball really well. I’ve been working a lot on my game and my fitness level. I’m mentally in a good frame of mind right now. “Since losing a few kilograms in the off- season, I’ve been hitting the ball well and can also shape the ball both ways easily. That was the main goal. “For the last four or five years I’ve been totally dedicated to playing in Europe. Coming back to Asia and the Asian Tour reminds me of the wins I’ve had here, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, countries where I’ve enjoyed a lot of success. The goal has been to play well and get back in the winning circle.” Carrying a purse of US$500,000, the Mandiri Indonesia Open was the 11th leg of the 2022 Asian Tour season, returning to the schedule following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, said: “The national Open championships of countries around the region are such an integral part of Asia’s golfing history. We were delighted, therefore, to be able to welcome back the Indonesia Open to the Asian Tour schedule this year and we are extremely grateful to Bank Mandiri for their support.” The national Open championships of countries around the region are such an integral part of Asia’s golfing history. -CHO MINN THANT 81 M A N D I R I I N D O N E S I A O P E N PONDOK I NDAH GO LF COU R S E | AUGUST 4 -7, 2022 | P R IZE MON E Y US$500,000 Gaganjeet Bhullar (FAR LEFT) and his friends celebrate his Indonesia Open hattrick. Rashid Khan (ABOVE) narrowly failed to win his first Asian Tour title in eight years. Steve Lewton (LEFT) finished with a brilliant 64 to tie for second.