Kyle Barker was the leading South African player after the first round on Wednesday of Section E of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at Springfield Royal Country Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Barker made six birdies and two bogeys on his way to a four-under-par 67, which put him one stroke off the lead. Four players were on five-under, and Barker shared fifth place with American Christian Banke.
Luca Filippi was one shot further back on three-under in a share of seventh, while Albert Venter was on two-under in a share of 16th with Drikus Joubert, Louis Albertse and Lyle Rowe. Wynand Dingle was on one-over, Regan Steyn on three-over, Rigardt Albertse on four-over, Dylan Mostert on five-over, Noel Anderson and Herman Loubser on six-over, and amateur Donavan Liddicoat on 11-over.
At Section D at Thana City Country Club, Bangkok, Keegan Mclachlan was the best-placed of the three South Africans in the field at one-over in a share of 42nd. Pieter Moolman was on two-over together with MJ Viljoen.
