THE CANADIAN PRESS
BEAUMONT, Calif. — Kevin Tucker fired a 3-under-par 69 Tuesday to take the early lead at the Canadian Tour’s California Q-School
Tucker, who was a Canadian Tour member in 2011, managed to successfully navigate the 7,200-yard course at The Country Club at Soboba Springs despite windy conditions.
"I played 10 holes in perfect weather this morning and then the wind really started to pick up," Tucker said. "I enjoy playing in the wind so it usually doesn’t have a negative effect on me."
Tucker finished his 2011 season outside the top 90 and failed to keep his card after making just two cuts in eight tournaments. His previous best finish on the Canadian Tour came at the Desert Dunes Classic, where he finished in a tie for 14th spot.
This is the second year in a row that Tucker has participated in the California Q-School finishing in a tie for 17th in 2011.
"I really learned a lot about the professional game playing the Canadian Tour in 2011," admitted Tucker. "I wasn’t ready necessarily last year and this year I feel my attitude and my game are in line with one another and I’m looking forward to getting through this and competing the Canadian Tour again in 2012."
Eugene Choe also played Soboba Springs and finished with a 2-under 70. Nicolas Ellis was the low man at the Oak Valley course, posting a 2-under 70 in windy conditions.
Two Victoria natives currently share top Canadian honours after the first round. Cory Renfrew and Mitch Evanecz both posted even par rounds of 72 and were tied for ninth. Evanecz’s trip around Oak Valley was highlighted by an eagle two on the 442-yard par-four eighth hole.
Angel Cabrera Jr., son of two time major championship winner Angel Cabrera, was also tied for ninth.
The top 30 players after four rounds will receive exempt status for the 2012 season. The next 30 players and ties will receive non-exempt cards. The current cut line after one round is 2-over for an exempt card and 5-over for a non-exempt card.