Can American Jhared Hack Maintain His Lead in the PGTI Tour Pre-Qualifying III?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jhared Hack leads the PGTI Pre-Qualifying III by three shots.
- A total of 26 players advanced to the Final Stage.
- The cut was set at five-over 149.
- The Final Stage is scheduled for January 27 to 30.
- Hack's performance included a late surge with three birdies.
Ahmedabad, Jan 24 (NationPress) American Jhared Hack achieved an impressive four-under 68 in the second round, securing a notable three-shot lead at the Pre-Qualifying III segment of the PGTI Qualifying School 2026, held at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
The 36-year-old Hack (70-68), hailing from Las Vegas and on his inaugural visit to India, improved on his solid first-round score of 70 with an error-free 68 in Round Two, moving up two positions to lead with a total score of six-under 138. In a field of 132 players in Pre-Qualifying III, the top 26 secured their places in the Final Qualifying Stage, as the cut was set at five-over 149.
Previously competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, Canadian Tour, and PGA Tour Latinoamerica, Hack recorded a lone birdie on the front nine on Saturday. He then showcased a late surge with three birdies in the final four holes, including a remarkable 40-foot putt on the 18th.
Hack commented, “Having traveled a long distance from the United States, I was able to adapt well before the Pre-Q event, benefiting from practice at another course in Ahmedabad. I was fortunate to be hosted by local pro Jay Pandya at his residence.
“I felt quite at ease at the beginning of the event, which showed in my excellent first nine on Day One. However, I encountered some challenges on the second nine, hitting out of bounds a couple of times. Nonetheless, I managed to secure some birdies during that stretch to keep my hopes alive for my card. I felt a bit nervous starting Round Two, but my chipping and putting were on point today, allowing me to succeed.”
The leaderboard displayed strong international participation in Pre-Qualifying III, with Japan’s Taiga Tanaka (71-70) finishing in second place at three-under 141, while Canada’s Sukhraj Singh Gill took third at two-under 142. Malaysia’s Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis ended fourth at one-under 143.
Amateur Samarpratap Singh Sandhu was the top Indian finisher, placing fifth at even-par 144.
A total of 91 players advanced to the Final Stage from the three Pre-Qualifying events. They will be joined by 42 players in the Final Stage, resulting in a total of 133 competitors at this crucial qualifying phase, set to take place from January 27 to 30 at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad.