Harrison Endycott has earned his maiden start on the Korn Ferry Tour, and he did it the hard way.

With an uncertain schedule on the PGA TOUR-Latino America tour on which Endycott has recorded three top-10s already this year, the New South Welshman attended Monday qualifying for this week’s LECOM Health Challenge at Peek ‘n’ Peak Resort in New York.

Competing with 122 players for 12 spots, Endycott shot 6-under 66 which, while six shots shy of David Denlinger at Shorewood Country Club, was good enough to get into a seven-man playoff for the final six spots.

MJ Daffue made eagle on the first playoff hole and Endycott one of four players to make birdie to secure his first start on the PGA TOUR’s secondary tour, teeing off in the final group in the first round alongside Canadian Matt Hill and American Will Zalatoris.

The LECOM Health Challenge also marks the return of Mark Hensby to tournament golf in the US after a two-year absence.

Suspended for a year in December 2017 for leaving after the first round of the Sandersons Farm Championship without providing a urine sample for a drug test, Hensby returned to golf during the Australasian summer, his best result a tie for 50th at the SEC NZ PGA Championship in March.

Using exempt status as a veteran member of the PGA TOUR, Hensby missed the cut with rounds of 71-74 at the LECOM Health Challenge in his only appearance two years ago.

Following Australia’s defeat of the Black Caps at the Cricket World Cup Cameron Percy will enjoy bragging rights over Tim Wilkinson in their pairing over the opening two days with Rhein Gibson and Jamie Arnold rounding out the Aussie representatives in the field.

Like Endycott, Ryan Ruffels normally plies his trade on the Latino America tour but this week is joining Ruben Sondjaja on the Mackenzie Tour in Canada, making his tour debut at the Windsor Championship in Ontario.