This week sees the PGA Tour of Australasia First Stage Qualifying School take place across Australia and New Zealand.

Played across four venues, Riverside Oaks Golf Resort (NSW), the Sandhurst Club (VIC), Noosa Springs Golf Resort (QLD) and St Andrews of Hamilton in New Zealand, players battled it out in today’s first round.

At Riverside Oaks Golf Resort, play was suspended due to inclement weather with players required back on course to complete their first round at 7:30am tomorrow, while all other venues saw round one of the First Stage successfully competed.

In Victoria, local Timothy Wood and West Australian Brody Ninyette are tied for the lead after carding 2-under 70 and head into round two one shot clear of James Gibellini, Lucas Herbert and Brad Moules who each fired 1-under 71.

In Queensland, Kiwi Duncan Croudis fired a 6-under 66 and goes into round two one shot ahead of Queenslander Paul Hayden, while Aaron Wilkin, Gavin Fairfax, Tenka Terada and Kota Kagasaki are all tied for third after each carding 3-under 69.

Across the Tasman, a 4-under 68 saw Tyler Hodge take top honours in New Zealand and heads into the second round two shots clear of fellow Kiwis, Brad Hayward and Steven Heyes, who both fired a 70-under.

With only 46 positions available through to the Final Stage in late January, there is a lot on the line for players this week.

The PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School is conducted at the end of each season to establish which players, not otherwise exempt, will gain their playing privileges on the Tour for the following season through a qualifying competition.

Qualifying School is a test of character and skill for Professionals who are seeking to regain a tournament exemption category or improve on their existing exemption category for the following season and also amateurs who are embarking on a Professional career.

Related links
Results & Tee Times / First Stage Qualifying School