Rabat – Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert produced a flawless opening round to seize the lead after day one of the International Series Morocco, a $2 million Asian Tour event presented by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT)’s Visit Morocco, held at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

The 37-year-old, runner-up earlier this year at the International Series Japan, carded a bogey-free 65 (eight under par) on the demanding Red Course to move two strokes clear of Australia’s Travis Smyth.

Smyth, who had defeated Pavit in Japan, responded with a solid 67 to sit tied for second alongside South Korea’s Younghan Song.

Song also impressed with a clean round, continuing his consistent form in International Series events as he searches for a maiden Asian Tour victory.

On a day marked by low scoring on the par-73 layout, American Andy Ogletree signalled a return to form with a strong finish, recording an eagle and a birdie over his closing two holes to post a five-under 68.

The former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner was joined at that mark by Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard, and American Grant Haefner, who delivered one of the day’s most remarkable performances after playing with borrowed clubs due to delayed luggage.

Defending champion Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe opened his title defence with a composed 70 (three under par), while Moroccan amateur Hugo Trommetter emerged as the home nation’s best performer with a 73.

Among the LIV Golf contingent, Bubba Watson, captain of RangeGoats GC, opened with a 69, while Korea’s Doyeob Mun also finished inside the top 20 on 70.

Pavit’s charge began on the back nine, where he produced four birdies before turning, before maintaining control with steady pars and finishing in style with four consecutive birdies to close his round.

Read also: International Series Morocco Begins in Rabat with Competitive Opening Round

In a press release shared with Morocco World News (MWN), he reflected on his performance, saying that everything finally came together after a difficult run of recent results, attributing his strong round to improved iron play and renewed confidence on a demanding course where precision is essential.

“I feel like today everything was in my favour. I haven’t really played well since Namseoul, where I shot five under in the first round, and the last few tournaments have been a bit tough. I couldn’t really putt well. I kept fighting, kept my head up, and reminded myself that this is the International Series — it’s a big opportunity,” he said.

“Today everything just came together. On a course like this, with tricky greens and difficult pin positions, you need to be in the right spots to create birdie chances, and I hit my irons very well.”

Travis Smyth, meanwhile, continues a strong season that includes victories on the Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, as well as appearances on LIV Golf. He described the Moroccan venue as one that suits his creative shot-making style, praising the course’s strategic layout and tree-lined fairways.

“First of all, I love this golf course. It’s a place where I feel like I can play well, so I come in with good vibes straight away. I enjoy the challenge of shaping the ball both ways and hitting different shots. I like moving the ball and visualising different shots, and this course really suits that style. With tree-lined fairways, it forces you to be creative, which I enjoy,” said Smyth. 

“I think winning in Japan earlier this year took a big weight off my shoulders. Before that, I probably put too much pressure on myself in these International Series events. Since then, I’ve felt a lot more relaxed and confident in what I’m doing,” he added.

The International Series Morocco, the third stop in the Asian Tour’s premium International Series, returns to the kingdom for its fourth edition, further strengthening the North African country’s position as a key destination on the global golf calendar.