Golf: Dutchman Van der Valk the surprise leader in PGT Q-School

Philippine-based Dutchman Guido Van der Valk took the surprise two-stroke clubhouse lead as he scored an even par 72 in the first round of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour's Qualifying School at the cool and windy course of Splendido Taal Golf Club in Tagaytay City.      Van der Valk, who resides in Alabang, Muntinlupa, made a birdie on the 11th then added two more on the 16th and 18th after going three-over in 10 holes for nines of 38 and 34 to grab the early edge, while 30 other hopefuls have yet to finish their respective rounds.      Unknown Dino Villanueva carded a 74 to currently share second place with Raul Minoza, Jet Mathay and Belem Alarcon. Korean Hyup Hong-song and Japanese Toru Nakajima each turned in a 76 in the qualifier where the top 40 placers will earn 2013 regular cards.      Albin Engino and Tomokazu Yoshinaga of Japan checked in with similar 76s while Johavnie Abano, the Q-School topnotcher last year, skied to a 77 in a tie with Park Jun-song of Korea, Rene Menor, Freddie Balisaga and amateurs LJ Go and Lawrence Celestino.      Artemio Murakami, who is aiming to end a slump in 2012, struggled to an eight-over-par 80 for joing 58th and was in danger of missing the halfway cut.      The 120-man field will be reduced to 60 at the end of 36 holes.  The top 30 Filipinos and 10 foreigners at the close of 72 holes will join the top 40 golfers from the 2012 PGT Order of Merit in the season-opener ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic on March 20 in Trece Martires. - AMD, GMA News