Kim tied at top in qualifying

Wailuku’s Taeksoo Kyung Kim had four birdies and an eagle to share the lead after Wednesday’s opening round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School’s First Stage Section B at Springfield Royal Country Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Kim, a Boise State graduate, shot a 6-under-par 65 and is tied for first with American Alex Kang.

After Saturday’s final round, the top 17 percent advance to next week’s Final Stage, where the Top 40 and ties earn their cards for the 2014 season.

Last week, reigning Manoa Cup champ Jared Sawada tied for 22nd at First Stage Section A — a shot away from advancing.

The University of Hawaii graduate closed with a 75 to finish at 2-under-par 286. The top 21 advanced at Imperial Lakeview Golf Club in Huan Hin, with another 10 moving on from Royal Thai Army Sports Centre.

TJ Kua (75–292), Sawada’s UH teammate, and Spencer Shishido (74–293), a Sonoma State graduate out of ‘Iolani, finished farther back.

All Q-School entrants are eligible for the Asian Development Tour.

HSWGA tourney next month

The Hawaii State Women’s Golf Association Spring Tournament is March 3 at Barbers Point. It has a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start.

The format is four-person team. Each team member must belong to an HSWGA club and have a GHIN handicap index of 37.1 or less.

The cost is $65 for civilians and $50 for military.

For more information, call 285-4992 or email gcomori@hawaiiantel.net.

LOCAL ACES