In a thrilling opening round at the BNI Indonesian Masters, Canadian golfer Richard T. Lee showcased his stellar form with an impressive 10-under-par 62, claiming the first-round lead at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. The $2 million tournament marks the 17th event of the Asian Tour season and the seventh stop in The International Series, attracting top talent from around the world.

Lee’s Consistency Continues

Lee’s 62 follows his equally impressive finish last Sunday at the International Series Thailand, where he also carded a 62 to secure a second-place finish. Known for his ability to close strong, Lee made six consecutive birdies on the back nine in Thailand and kept his momentum alive at Jakarta, hitting two eagles and seven birdies.

“I just felt amazing out there today,” Lee shared after his round, describing his highlight shots—a five-foot eagle on the 12th and a sensational seven-iron from 173 yards on the par-four 17th. “My putting felt sharp on these greens, and I’m just feeling really good with my game right now.”

Close Competition from Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, who won the Indonesian Masters in 2019, shot a 9-under 63 to trail Lee by just one stroke. Jazz, a former Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, praised the course and shared insights on his recent work with U.S.-based swing coach Dana Dahlquist.

“I’m happy with today’s performance and always love playing here,” Jazz noted. “My game is slowly improving, and I’m working hard to get back to the top of my form.”

Top Players in Contention

Several other prominent players delivered strong performances to start the event, with Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, Filipino Angelo Que, and Korea’s Kyongjun Moon each carding 66s to share third place. For Ariffin, this round represents a potential turning point in a challenging season where he’s battling to retain his tour card.

“It’s been a tough season, but today felt good,” Ariffin said. “I focused on staying calm and not forcing any shots. Hopefully, this start can propel me through the rest of the season.”

Notable Performances and Course Challenges

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, who last won on the Asian Tour in 2014, admitted to some struggles but maintained focus throughout the round. “My driver has been inconsistent, but I focused on hitting fairways and sticking to my process. I was pleased with a six-under finish, and I’m feeling positive for the week ahead.”

Meanwhile, leading players like John Catlin and defending champion Gaganjeet Bhullar wrapped up the day with scores of 69 and 70, respectively. American Bubba Watson, a former Masters winner, also ended with a 70, aiming to improve in the rounds to come.

Lee’s Journey and Outlook

Richard T. Lee’s consistency has made him one of the top contenders in the Asian Tour this season, currently holding the seventh spot in both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings. Known for his composure and strategic play, he’s aiming for his third Asian Tour title, having previously won the 2014 Solaire Open and 2017 Shinhan Donghae Open. Lee’s recent success comes with a few changes, including a new putter that’s helped him find a steady rhythm on the greens.

After narrowly missing a playoff last week due to a final-hole birdie attempt, Lee is determined to stay at the top and potentially secure the title in Jakarta.