Uihlein Takes the lead at the International Series Thailand
American ace Peter Uihlein showcased his brilliance once again, storming into the lead at the halfway mark of the International Series Thailand. With an electric eight-under-par 62 at the scenic Thai Country Club, Uihlein sits atop the leaderboard at 14-under, one shot ahead of Australia’s Maverick Antcliff.
Following his breakthrough win in England earlier this year, Uihlein now has his sights set on a double crown, along with an ambitious pursuit of the coveted International Series Rankings. Though he admitted his chances are slim, he’s leaving nothing to chance. “Sometimes boring golf can be fun,” he quipped. “I’ve driven it well, hit lots of wedges, and the greens have been soft and forgiving. But I’ll need to keep attacking—this is no course for playing it safe.”
Uihlein’s sizzling round featured nine birdies and just one bogey, powered by his signature precision off the tee. With the Bangkok winds creating a different challenge each day, he knows that consistency will be key. “You can’t afford to play it even. This weekend will demand more low scores,” he said with a grin.
Hot on his heels is Maverick Antcliff, who followed up his opening-round success with a bogey-free 64. The Australian—known for his love of “Top Gun,” thanks to his father’s naming inspiration—called attention to the course’s design: “It’s not long, and with only two par-fives, it’s all about putting. If you make the putts, you’ll go low.”
Antcliff’s sharp form is a redemption story in the making, having missed the cut last week at the Black Mountain Championship. Yet his clean, methodical play over the past two rounds suggests he’s locked in and determined to bounce back. “It’s been a solid season, and I feel good coming into the weekend,” said the 31-year-old Brisbane native, who earned his Asian Tour card earlier this year through Qualifying School.
The leaderboard also boasts some impressive names, including Christian Banke from the U.S., who matched Uihlein’s 62 and sits just two shots off the lead. Banke credits much of his success to his unique partnership with caddie Puwit Anupansuebsai—his former college teammate from San Diego State. “I let him read the putts, and I just focus on hitting them,” said Banke. “He’s the ultimate wingman—drives me around, translates, orders the right food. It’s been a dream team effort.”
Meanwhile, Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po and Chan Shih-chang are keeping themselves in the hunt, each carding solid rounds to sit three strokes back alongside Thai rising stars David Boriboonsub and Sadom Kaewkanjana, and Mexico’s Santiago De la Fuente, all of whom posted 65s.
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John Catlin, the man at the top of the International Series Rankings, rebounded from a shaky opening round with a 66 to comfortably make the weekend cut. “I’m playing okay, though the greens have taken some getting used to,” Catlin admitted. “The grain and pace are tricky, but I’m here to build on my lead and stay sharp.”
With just five events remaining on the International Series calendar, every swing this weekend matters as the season draws to an exhilarating close. Uihlein, currently third in the rankings, knows a victory could shake things up, but he’s aware of the stiff competition.
All eyes are on the fairways of the Thai Country Club, where birdies will fly and fortunes will be made or lost in the Bangkok breeze. As the final stretch of the Asian Tour unfolds, it’s clear: the battle has only just begu
