Commans Shoots a 69 to Take 2-Stroke Lead at Qualifier in Valencia

It’s only the first in a long series of hurdles, but at least Ron Commans can take comfort in the fact that he’s been through this business before.

Commans, who grew up in Westlake Village and played at USC, fired a three-under-par 69 to take a two-stroke lead following first round play Tuesday in the 72-hole Professional Golfers Assn. Tour Qualifying Sectional at the Valencia Golf Course.

Commans shot 37-32--69 over the 7,100-yard, par-72 layout. Six players are tied for second at 71.

The sectional tournament is the first leg of qualification for a PGA tour card, which grants a one-year exemption at certain tour events. From a field of 82, only 40 will advance to the regionals next month at Rio Bravo Country Club in Bakersfield. Those making the grade at Bakersfield will advance to the finals Dec. 1-7 at PGA West in La Quinta.

Of a national field of hundreds, only 50 will receive tour cards.

“I played pretty well, especially considering that I started with bogeys on the first two holes,” Commans said. After playing the front side at one over, Commans tore up the back nine in 32.

Just back from the European tour, where he made about $30,000 this year, Commans, 27, is making another attempt at securing a PGA card; he earned cards in two previous attempts but failed to place in the top 125 in yearly earnings, a tour requirement to remain exempt from requalifying.

“I’d really like to get back out there on the U.S. tour,” Commans said. “I’ve been playing successfully on the European and Asian tours, but I want another shot at the PGA, especially since I played so miserably the other times around.”

Sam Randolph, another former Trojan and the 1985 U.S. Amateur and California state champion, struggled to a one-over 73 in his first attempt at securing a tour card.

Mark Levander of Thousand Oaks is three shots back at even par 72, while former UCLA All-American Duffy Waldorf of Tarzana is five off the pace at 74. Ted Lehmann of Thousand Oaks is six strokes back at 75. Robert Jennings of Northridge shot 78.

“I’ve made up my mind to do whatever it takes to get back on the PGA Tour,” Commans said. “Some people set a timetable for things like this, but I’ll be back every year until I make it.”