Anstiss qualifies for tour

QUEENSTOWN golfer James Anstiss is flying high after earning qualification for the Latino America Mexico PGA Tour.

Anstiss finished tied for fourth at the Mexican qualifying school tournament, which was more than good enough to get him into the top 12 who have full exempt status for the first half of the tour.

He played extremely consistently, shooting 69, 69, 67 and 67 to finish 16under par. Overall, he scored 20 birdies and an eagle, his birdies on 17 and 18 in the final round the difference between fourth and 11th.

Anstiss was in a field of more than 80 so it was a good effort to finish in the top five at the Estrella del Mar golf and beach resort in northwest Mexico.

Anstiss said the qualification had come at a good time.

“It sets me up nicely through to the end of May as I now look forward to three weeks in Australia leading into the New Zealand Open. I will play the Victorian Open then two state events in Queensland,” Anstiss said.

The Victorian Open is a cosanctioned European Tour event and is played alongside the LPGA event on the same course, something to which he is really looking forward.

It has been a pivotal few weeks in Anstiss’ fledgling career.

Last month he received the trophy and plaudits for being the top performer in the 2019 Charles Tour events. He won the Muriwai and Harewood Opens and finished fourth at Akarana and 11th at Pegasus.

“It was great to win this trophy as these events are the pinnacle for us on the NZPGA calendar.”

He then finished second at The Hills ProAm in early January before heading to the qualifying tournament.

“I can’t wait to come home and play the courses I know in Arrowtown. Then after the New Zealand Open I head back to Mexico for three months and the first nine events on the tour.

‘‘After that players are reranked for the rest of the tour so I will be looking for some good finishes.

‘‘On any weeks off I will try to play Monday qualifying on the Korn Ferry PGA tour or the Adams Mini Tour depending on what fits my schedule.”