Nathan Leonhardt of Richmond, B.C., shares the first round lead at Canadian Tour qualifying school after firing a first round, three-under-par 68.
Leonhardt shares the lead at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont., with Calgary’s Scott Stiles and Thomas Hay of Langley, B.C.
Rain showers affected the 6,743-yard, par 71 layout for the majority of the first round with steady 20 km. winds.
“I played well today, it was a really solid round and I managed to keep everything in check for the most part,” said Leonhardt who earned a non-exempt 2011 Canadian Tour Card last winter in California.
“I learned a lot this past year, but it has been difficult especially when you miss a couple of cuts in a row,” he added.
Stiles and Hay, who played together in the lead group, took advantage of their position in the draw. Stiles recorded six birdies and three bogeys, while Hay posted four birdies and one bogey.
Other notable scores from day one included a round of two-under-par 69 by David Byrne of Essex, Ont.
A minimum of fourteen Canadian Tour cards will be available at the conclusion of the fall qualifying school. The top seven players after four rounds will earn exempt cards, while the following seven players plus ties will receive non-exempt cards for 2012.
For a complete leaderboard, click here.
