Ang eyes bigger tours after bagging Australasia card

National golfer Ryan Ang did not have high expectations going into the final stage of the 2024-25 PGA Tour of Australasia (PGATA) Qualifying School last week, as he was not in his best form.

- Kimberly Kwek

The 24-year-old also had to deal with tough conditions while carrying his own bag at Moonah Links' Open Course in Victoria, where he navigated winds of nearly 50kmh and heavy showers in between the rounds. But the nerves gradually dissipated and on April 12, Ang walked away not just with PGATA status, but also confidence as he eyes a place on some of the sport's bigger tours.

He said: "I'm feeling very relieved and super motivated and thankful for all the support I've received.

"Knowing that I don't have to play my best and still be good enough to qualify for the tour is super comforting and a huge motivating factor for me, knowing that I have what it takes to compete with many guys who are more seasoned on tour." He qualified right on the dot after posting rounds of 71, 75, 71 and 73 for a two-over 290 total, with Australian Nathan Barbieri winning the event via a three-way play-off after a 16-under 272.