Randhawa placed second at US Qualifying School

India’s Jyoti Randhawa, inched closer to fulfilling his quest to play the prestigious US PGA Tour, with a second round score of one-under 71which placed him at second place, three-strokes behind the leader at the first stage of the PGA Tour’s National Qualifying Tournament being played at the Martin Down’s Country Club, Stuart, Florida.

Michael McNerney, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, led the field at 12-under 132 while Randhawa tallied nine-under 135.

Fellow Indian Arjun Atwal was tied for 17th sport with a tally of one-under 143 at the National Golf Club, Pinehurst, N.C.

Randhawa, the second ranked golfer on last season’s Davidoff Asian PGA Tour’s Order of Merit, began with a flourish on Wednesday, when he returned an impressive eight-under 64 to lead the field.

"I am playing really well this week. My swing was causing problems earlier this season, but with that rectified, things are falling into place," he said. "Playing the US PGA Tour is the final goal for any golfer. This is a fine opportunity for me and I plan to make the most of it," said the 30-year old.

"I hear Jyoti is doing really well. I am very happy for him. My own game is not too bad and though I am placed 17th right now, I aim to make up in the remaining two days," said the other Indian in the fray, Calcutta's Arjun Atwal.

Atwal, a resident of New York, is one of the three Indian golfers who play outside the Hero Honda Indian and Davidoff Asian PGA Tours, the other two being Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh.