Golf: Tataurangi starts well in Florida

New Zealander Philip Tataurangi made a solid start yesterday to the United States PGA Tour qualifying school in Florida.

He posted a two-under-par 70 to be in a share of 59th place with 21 others, four shots behind the leaders, at West Palm Beach.

Prominent Australian Peter Lonard is one of those grouped with Tataurangi after the opening round.

The top 35, plus ties, after six rounds earn their tour cards for next year.

A congested leaderboard had Tataurangi just one stroke outside the leading 35.

Fellow New Zealander Steve Alker shot an even par 72 to be in a share of 107th in the 166-strong field. Seven players shared the first-round lead at six under par.

Tataurangi lost his card this year when he played on a medical exemption granted by tour officials.

He had been plagued by injuries, which curtailed his programme last year. Hamiltonian Alker is attempting to earn his US card for the first time.

Four New Zealanders - Grant Waite, Craig Perks, Frank Nobilo and Michael Long - are already confirmed starters on next year's tour.

- NZPA