Sukra Bahadur Rai shot even-par 68 to take four-stroke lead over Tanka Bahadur Karki during the first round of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour NPGA Qualifying School at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Wednesday.

Kamal Tamang was next at six-over 74 followed by Tashi Ghale and Sandip Tamang at seven-over 75. Bipin Tamang and Shiva Kumar Majhi are at eight-over 76. Mikal Rai and Dhruba Thapa are at 10-over 78. Top lady golfer Pratima Sherpa shot a disappointing 11-over 79.

Rai carded one-over 35 on the front nine with bogey on first and fourth holes against a birdie on the ninth. Rai started his back nine a birdie on the 10th, made bogey on the 12th and recovered with a birdie on the very next hole to finish at one-under 33. Karki shot two-over 37 on the front nine with birdie on the second and bogeys on fourth, seventh, eighth and ninth holes. On the back nine, Karki dropped two shots on 10th and 11th holes but recovered with a birdie on the 12th for one-over 35.

Tamang carded one-over 35 on the front nine with a bogey on the sixth hole. On the way back, Tamang sank a birdie on the 15th but bogeys on 11th, 12th, 16th, 18th and a double-bogey on the 14th hole ruined his card at five-over 34. In all, 22 amateur golfers are vying for pro cards from the 54-hole tournament. Top 5 players finishing inside 15-over will earn pro cards. Once qualified amateurs may hold the tour card, may enter as professional on golf tournaments of Surya Nepal Golf Tour at their own wish on a later date.

Nepal Professional Golfers Association annually organises the event to allow amateur golfers to turn professionals. Currently 62 active local pros are registered with the Nepal Professional Golfers Association. 5 more players will have the opportunity to turn professional this year.