Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco teed off on Thursday at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, with the opening round producing strong scoring, late movement on the leaderboard, and a tightly packed international field competing under warm Rabat conditions.
Now in its fourth year, the tournament has established itself as a key stop on the Asian Tour schedule, further strengthening Morocco’s reputation as a leading destination for international golf. Backed by Visit Morocco, the tourism arm of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), the event is part of a broader strategy that combines elite sport with global visibility and the development of local talent.
Jointly sanctioned by LIV Golf and the Asian Tour, the competition offers a $2 million (around MAD 18.2 million) prize fund and brings together a world-class field. The lineup features more than 20 LIV Golf players alongside Asian Tour regulars, emerging regional talents, and Morocco’s top professionals.
The closing stages of Round 1 saw a dramatic shift at the top of the leaderboard, with Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert producing a late surge to take the lead. A brilliant finish featuring seven birdies powered him to a round of 63 (-7), placing him alone at the summit after a strong late charge reshaped the standings.
Just one shot behind, American golfer Travis Smith delivered a composed and aggressive performance, carding a 66 (-6) that kept him firmly in contention after setting an early benchmark with seven birdies of his own.
Korea’s Younghan Song also sits in the chasing pack at 66 (-6), sharing third place after a steady and controlled opening round that positioned him well for the remainder of the tournament.
Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana is part of the group tied for fourth place, signing for a 68 (-4) after a consistent display in the morning wave, which briefly placed him among the early leaders before the leaderboard tightened in the afternoon.
Speaking after his round in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Kaewkanjana expressed his satisfaction with both his return to Morocco and the playing conditions.
“I am very happy to be back in Morocco,” he said. “It’s a very good place and a very nice golf course, very good golf conditions. The greens are very nice. I love playing in Morocco.”
He pointed to the importance of early conditions in shaping scoring opportunities during the opening round.
“In the morning, there was no wind, but the greens were soft, so the pin positions were a little tough,” he explained. “I played my irons pretty well. I had a lot of options to make birdies.”
Kaewkanjana now shifts focus to maintaining momentum as the tournament progresses.
“Let’s do tomorrow the same as today,” he added.
Read also: Morocco Hosts LIV Golf’s Strongest Stars for International Series in Rabat
Moroccan golfer Nizar Bourehim also completed his opening round at +2 (75), competing in front of home fans on a course he knows well. Despite the challenging score, he described the experience as a meaningful moment in his career while facing a strong international field.
“It’s a pleasure for me to represent my country in such a big event and such a great golf course,” he told MWN. “I was born here; I played here my whole life. It’s a dream come true to play with players that I grew up watching on TV, and now I am playing with them in the same tournament.”
He also commended the organization and atmosphere surrounding the event, highlighting the positive impression left on visiting players.
“The Royal Moroccan Golf Federation are doing a great job with the organization. Every player I’ve spoken to is enjoying it. They love Morocco, they love the golf course, and they love Moroccan food,” Bourehim said.
In comments shared with MWN, Bourehim also reflected on his admiration for American golfer Bubba Watson, recalling a moment that left a lasting impression on his golfing journey.
“I’m left-handed, I don’t play golf left-handed, but I am naturally left-handed, so I’m a huge fan of Bubba Watson. I was actually telling my coach yesterday on the range that the shot Bubba hit on the 10th hole during the Masters playoff was probably the best shot I’ve ever seen in my life. So, for me, it’s an honor to be playing in the same event, on the same golf course, alongside him.”
As Round 1 concluded, the International Series Morocco delivered a highly competitive opening day, with Tangkamolprasert moving into the lead, Smith and Song close behind, and Kaewkanjana and Bourehim keeping local and regional interest alive as the tournament progresses in Rabat.
