Australians Will Florimo and Michael Pearce set the pace at the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Hua Hin, Thailand, on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Both golfers shot seven-under-par 64s on different layouts at Lake View Resort & Golf Club, with Florimo on the C&D course and Pearce on the A&B course.

They were followed closely by Chinese-Taipei’s Liu Yung-hua, Korea’s Junhong Park, and Japan’s Tomohiro Ishizaka, who are tied for third after 65s on the A&B layout. Thailand’s Kosuke Hamamoto, Mexico’s Roberto Lebrija, and Singapore’s Gregory Foo posted 66s on C&D, while several others, including American Luke Schniederjans and Malaysia’s Marcus Lim, also carded 66s on A&B.

Florimo and Pearce chase tour cards

The top 35 finishers after the five-round school will earn Asian Tour cards for the upcoming season, with both Australians eyeing their first opportunity on the Tour. Florimo came close last year, finishing one shot behind Filipino Sean Ramos for the final card. “Redemption, yes definitely feel that way,” said Florimo, who has played some of the best golf of his career this season.

Florimo, 26, from Brisbane, is currently fourth on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. He lost in a playoff at the New South Wales Open and has three other top-three finishes. Despite dealing with a shoulder injury and joint issues in his hand, he said his game is trending in the right direction.

Pearce earned his spot via a First Stage Qualifier, finishing 14th in Section D earlier this month. The Sydney-based golfer was bogey-free during the first round, while Florimo dropped just one shot. “Very happy. Obviously, can’t win after day one, but it’s good to be at the top of the leaderboard,” said Pearce.

Hamamoto and other contenders ready for challenge

Kosuke Hamamoto is making only his second appearance at the Final Stage after finishing 21st in 2019. His year was disrupted by a knee injury in September, but he returned fully fit for the Qualifying School. “I am very happy with that start. Wasn’t really expecting anything to be honest,” said Hamamoto.

The tournament format includes two cuts. The leading 140 players and ties after 36 holes will qualify for rounds three and four. A further cut after 72 holes will reduce the field to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then contest the final round.