The final round of the Toyota Tour Qualifying School II at Kota Seriemas Golf & Country Club will see a showdown between two recently-turned professionals, Liyana Durisic and Zulaikah Nasser.
Both players, who turned pro on August 27th, lead the field with matching two-day totals of 145, two shots ahead of Afif Fathi. Amateur Chan Kai Zhane is another stroke back at 148.
“I putted better today, though I did have one three-putt,” said Liyana, who shot birdies on the 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 18th holes, with bogeys on the 9th and 14th.
“I managed to handle the course well, despite most of the bunkers being on the left, which is challenging since I tend to draw my shots off the tee. Staying on the fairways was key.”
Zulaikah, who carded an even-par 72 with three birdies and three bogeys, admitted feeling nervous throughout her round.
“It’s not a long course, but the greens were tough—fast and firm, just as they should be, but tricky,” she noted.
A graduate in mass communications from Sam Houston State University, Zulaikah is determined to give her professional golf career her best shot. Liyana, a graduate of Iowa State University, shares a similar path. Both are Golf Ambassadors for Kelab Golf Seri Selangor (KGSS).
The winner of tomorrow's round will take home RM3,350, while the runner-up will receive RM2,300. The Toyota Tour is organized by Professional Golf Malaysia and managed by MST Golf.
“KGSS has given me a place to practice and play, and I’m thankful for their support,” Zulaikah added, pleased with her start as a professional. KGSS also supports professionals like Malcolm Ting, Zia Izuddeen, Syahiran Syakir, and Amir Nazrin.
Meanwhile, overnight leader Kelana Ibrahim struggled today, dropping five shots after a par round yesterday but still remains in the hunt to renew his Toyota Tour card. Players finishing at 15-over or better after tomorrow’s round will secure playing rights on the Tour.
A total of 28 professionals and 22 amateurs who shot 20-over or better have made the cut for the final round.
Leading scores
145 (+1) Liyana Durisic (75-70), Zulaikah Nasser (73-72)
147 (+3) Afif Fathi (76-71)
148 (+4) Chan Kai Zhane (am, 78-70)
149 (+5) Rozaini Rosli (75-74), Kalana Ibrahim (72-77)
150 (+6) Pravin Kumar (am, 73-77)
151 (+7) Anis Helmi Hassan (75-76), Syady Sheikh (74-77), Afif Razif (75-76)
