KEY POINTS:
New Zealand golfer Brad Heaven has made a bright start to the first stage of a United States PGA Tour qualifying school tournament in Georgia.
Heaven opened a three-under par 69, to be four shots off the lead at the Valdosta course in a share of fifth place.
The top 27 finishers plus ties after four rounds will advance to the second stage.
Compatriot Doug Holloway is in a share of 32nd place at even par in North Carolina, where the top 26 plus ties will advance.
The top 26 plus ties also go through in Texas where Mike Hendry is in a share of 29th at even par after two rounds.
Josh Carmichael slipped off the pace after two rounds in Alabama, shooting a five-over 77 to be eight-over.
Carmichael is seven shots off making it through to the next stage with two rounds remaining.
Last week Tauranga golfer Bradley Iles finished 25th equal in his first stage event at North Virginia to reach stage two from November 14 to 17.
The final stage from November 28 to December 3 eventually determines the 25 players (and ties) who receive their tour cards for the following year.
Any other golfer who advances to the final stage receives some kind of status on the second-tier Nationwide Tour.
- NZPA
