Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert seized the early advantage at the International Series Morocco after carding a bogey-free eight-under-par 65 on Thursday at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat. The impressive round handed him a two-shot lead over Australian Travis Smyth and South Korea’s Younghan Song in the US$2 million tournament.

Pavit’s strong start marked a reversal of fortunes from the International Series Japan earlier this year, where he finished runner-up to Smyth. This time, the Thai veteran found himself ahead of the Australian after producing one of the best rounds of the opening day.

Strong Finish Sparks Lead

Playing the renowned par-73 Red Course, Pavit established momentum early by collecting four birdies on his opening nine holes. He remained patient through a stretch of five consecutive pars before finishing his round in spectacular fashion with four straight birdies.

The 37-year-old credited his iron play and improved confidence on the greens for his strong performance. After struggling to find consistency in recent events, Pavit said everything finally came together on a demanding layout that requires precision and smart course management.

“I feel like today everything was right for me. I haven’t really played well since Namseoul, and it’s been a bit of a struggle over the last few events,” Pavit said. “I just kept grinding, kept my chin up, and reminded myself that this is The International Series and a big opportunity.”

Younghan Song joined Smyth in second place after posting a bogey-free 67. The Korean continues to chase his first Asian Tour victory after previously finishing runner-up at the International Series Japan in 2025.

Chasers Remain Close

Smyth continued his excellent season with another solid performance, building on victories at the International Series Japan and on the PGA Tour of Australasia. The Australian said the course suits his shot-making style and credited his recent success for helping him approach events with greater confidence.

The current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader explained that winning earlier in the year eased the pressure he previously felt entering major tournaments. He added that experiences gained while deputising for the injured Paul Casey on LIV Golf’s Crushers GC have further strengthened his belief.

American Andy Ogletree also made an encouraging start after carding a five-under 68. The former International Series Ranking champion finished strongly, birdieing the fifth hole before producing an eagle on the eighth and another birdie on the ninth to climb into contention.

Joining Ogletree at five-under were Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard and American Grant Haefner. Haefner’s round was particularly notable after he competed with rented and borrowed clubs because his equipment failed to arrive at the airport.

Defending champion Scott Vincent opened with a three-under 70, while LIV Golf star Bubba Watson posted a four-under 69. Morocco’s leading performer was amateur Hugo Trommetter, who carded an opening-round 73 in front of home supporters.

The International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco is the third elevated event on this season’s Asian Tour schedule. The tournament is being staged in Morocco for the fourth time and features a strong field that includes several LIV Golf players and leading Asian Tour stars.