NILAI, 9 SEPT 2024 – Kelana Ibrahim kept himself in contention of renewing his Toyota Tour card when he carded a commendable even par 72 to lead the first round of the Qualifying School at Kota Seriemas GCC here today.
The 56-year-old professional, who missed most of his cuts this season, scored four birdies, two bogeys and a double on the 6,901-yard layout. Kelana will count his lucky stars for having an early morning start, for there was a two and a half-hour rain delay which affected play for more half the field in the afternoon.
He leads two amateurs Pravin Kumar and Mohd Nor Adzlie and lady professional Zulaikah Nasser by one stroke. A further stroke adrift are seasoned campaigners Brandon Lai and Syady Sheikh.
The Toyota Tour is organised by Professional Golf Malaysia and delivered by MST Golf.
Liyana Durisic, who finished third in the recent ASEAN Qualifier for the Maybank LPGA Championship at KLGCC next month, was let down by poor putting and finished at three-over 75.
“I three putted twice and failed to convert easy birdie chances,” said Liyana who will miss next month’s Harrier Cup in Kuantan as she and her family will be holidaying in Croatia, her father’s homeland.
“We had to play the last four holes in the rain but otherwise I’m hitting the ball well and hopefully I’ll keep my score down tomorrow and Thursday look forward to winning my Toyota Tour card,” added the 23-year-old who aims to compete in the LET qualifying school in Morocco this December.
A total of 82 players signed up for the Q School but there were four withdrawals. After today’s round, 78 players finished at +25 or better and will tee up for tomorrow’s second round. Players who finish at plus 15 or better after three rounds will gain playing rights into the Toyota Tour.
Leading scores
72 Kalana Ibrahim
73 Pravin Kumar (am), Mohd Noh Adzlie (am), Zulaikah Nasser
74 Brandon Lai, Syady Sheikh
75 Anis Helmi Hassan, Liyana Durisic, New Fu Yeong, Rozaini Rosli, Samat Abu, Khalid Jikal (am), Bryan Tan (am), Afif Razif
76 Afif Fathi