Manotoc launches Thai bid with 72

Amateur Gab Manotoc launched his bid to qualify for the All Thailand Tour next season, shooting an even-par 72 in the first stage of the Qualifying School at the Kabin Buri Sports Club in Prachinburi, Thailand Tuesday.

Manotoc, who started at the back nine, surged on top of the leaderboard early on following an eagle on the par-4 13th hole and two birdies against a single bogey.

But he bogeyed 16 and 18 to reach the turn on 1-under.

Manotoc made one birdie against two bogeys in the first four holes coming home before finishing with five straight pars.

He’s currently in a temporary share of ninth place, four shots off the pace set by Leon D’Souza who fired a 68.

The top 60 finishers will advance into the final stage set 29 November at the Watermill Golf Club & Resort in Nakhon Nayok.

Two other Filipino pros in the field, Dino Villanueva and Sean Jean Ramos, carded 74 and 78, respectively.

Villanueva had five birdies against five bogeys and a double bogey while Ramos made two birdies against eight bogeys.