Jaco Ahlers was one of a trio of South Africans to earn their cards via Asian Tour Qualifying School on the weekend as they look to force their way onto the biggest stages in golf.

Ahlers and countryman Neil Schietekat finished T5 at 11-under par – four shots behind Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Follett-Smith; who himself is a Sunshine Tour regular.

‘It’s nice to have another tour to play on, I enjoyed it when I played in Asia in the 2010s,’ said Ahlers, who gave up on the race to win the Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit by skipping the Tour Championship to play in Thailand. He ended third with nearly R2-million in earnings this season while Schietekat banked over R600 000 and ended in 24th place.

‘I feel like I could play well around here, I don’t mind the heat so I’m pretty happy.’

Ian Snyman, a SA-born and US educated golfer, completed the trio of Saffas among the 35 players to earn their playing privileges the hard way at Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Thailand.