Ahern leads qualifiers for Toshiba

MIRA LOMA — Jim Ahern of Phoenix, Ariz. shot seven-under-par 64 to finish as the top qualifier for the Toshiba Classic Tuesday at Goose Creek Golf Club.

The Toshiba Classic, which began with a field of 73, took the top seven from the open qualifying event. Kenny Knox of Monticello, Fla. needed a playoff to qualify for the Toshiba Classic’s three-day tournament that begins Friday. Knox won the final qualifying spot with a par on the first playoff hole.

Three tied with a score of 65, including Phil Blackmar, Boonchu Ruangkit and Mitch Adcock.

Mac O’Grady and Mike Goodes both shot 66 to tie for the fifth qualifying spot.

The Toshiba Classic continues today with the first of two days of classic pro-am. Pros Jim Colbert and Dave Stockton start things off with their amateur groups at 7 a.m. Gary Player and Graig Stadler begin the second group that starts at 12:30 p.m.

— From staff reports