With the first weekend of the Baiduri Masters 2026 now complete, the race for the Green Jacket is beginning to take shape, with a new leader emerging and the leaderboard tightening ahead of the tournament's return next weekend.

Mahendra Phagami produced the best round of the tournament so far, posting a three-under-par 69 to move into outright first place. His round sees him edge ahead of the field and take a slender lead into the second and final weekend of competition.

Just one shot behind is a group of four players tied on 70. Notably, the quartet includes three former Baiduri Masters champions — Ak Mohd Syakir Pg Hj Alli, Johari Ahmad, and Muhd Irwan Hj Abd Hamid — all of whom have previously donned the Green Jacket. They are joined by Zul Rosli, ensuring the leaderboard is packed with both experience and proven pedigree heading into the decisive stages of the tournament.

Just another stroke behind is Hj Shahminan Hj Damit on 71, while Julian Kamaluddin and Bryan Chiew sit a further shot back on 72. Muhd Harith Irfan Indera Putera, Zulehram Yakub, and Kumar Purja Pun are tied on 73, with Hj Lutfi Hj Hanif currently occupying the final qualifying position on 75.

With only the top 12 golfers advancing to the tournament's final round on Sunday, 16 August, every stroke becomes increasingly important. Several players remain within reach of the cut line, ensuring the battle for a place in the championship round is likely to be just as fiercely contested as the race for the Green Jacket itself.

The Ladies' competition is also shaping up to be one to watch. Almas Syadzwanie Kamis leads the field after posting a score of 76, ahead of Helene Ayu on 84 and Agnes De La Cruz on 88. Having successfully defended her title in 2025 after first winning in 2024, Almas now has the opportunity to secure a third consecutive Baiduri Masters Ladies' crown when play resumes next weekend.

Adding to the excitement are the tournament's attractive hole-in-one prizes, including a BMW X3 on Hole 13, a Porsche Macan EV on Hole 16, a MINI Cooper on Hole 9, and a BND20,000 cash prize on Hole 7. While the prizes remain unclaimed, several golfers have come close, particularly on Hole 16 where a shot finished just 5 centimetres from the cup. The current nearest attempts stand at 74 centimetres on Hole 7, 50 centimetres on Hole 9, 100 centimetres on Hole 13, and 5 centimetres on Hole 16.

Competition is also heating up in the longest drive category. The current benchmark stands at 96 metres to the pin in the Men's category and 148 metres to the pin in the Ladies' category. Introduced for the first time this year, the Ladies' Longest Drive category has added a new dimension to the tournament.

There is still time for golfers to join this year's tournament. Registration remains open at BND120 for the Men's, Ladies', and Senior categories, and BND60 for the Junior category. Participants may register online via the Pocket platform or submit their registration forms and payment at Pantai Mentiri Golf Club.

For more information on the Baiduri Masters 2026, visit www.baiduri.com.