Lin Yuxin, a two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion and lefthander, topped the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School, securing his 2026 card among 35 qualifiers.
After five grueling days at Lake View Resort & Golf Club's C&D course in Hua Hin, Thailand, the 23-year-old Chinese golfer fired a 67 (-4) to win at 16-under, edging India's Shaurya Bhattacharya by one stroke. Lin parred the tough par-4 18th while Bhattacharya bogeyed it from the final group.
Canadian Henry Lee took third at 14-under with a 70, undone by a double bogey on 18. Mexico's Roberto Lebrija (72) was fourth, Australia's Will Florimo (70) fifth.
This victory marks a breakthrough for Lin, a University of Florida alum who turned pro in 2023 and has battled mental putting woes on PGA Tour Americas and Korn Ferry events. He posted steady scores: 68-67-70-67-67, including an eagle, three birdies, and one bogey in the final round.
"It's a huge relief—Q School is brutal," Lin said. "I've hit it well all season but struggled with putting until recent work paid off. Pro golf has been a rollercoaster of lessons in patience."
Bhattacharya, 22 and third on India's Professional Golf Tour of India Order of Merit with two wins, led by one early but bogeyed 12, 13, and 18 for a 72. "Tough day with too many bogeys despite 27 birdies for the week," he said. "I play to win, even in Q School."
Other top qualifiers included South Africa's Justin Harding, Thailand's Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Indonesia's Naraajie Ramadhanputra, Americans Berry Henson and Rashid Khan, India's Ajeetesh Sandhu, Chinese-Taipei's Chan Shih-chang, Singapore's Gregory Foo, Hong Kong's Shunyat Hak, and Malaysia's Khavish Varadan.
Saudi Arabia's Shergo Al Kurdi birdied a 10-foot par putt to tie for 19th at 6-under, missing a playoff by one to become his country's first.
The 35th card sparked drama: 12 players tied at 5-under for joint 28th entered sudden-death playoffs. Japan's Tomohiro Ishizaka (81 after starting second), American Carson Herron (son of ex-PGA Tour star Tim Herron), Spain's Carlos Pigem, Wales' David Boote, China's Jin Zihao, Germany's Marc Hammer, Australia's Marcus Plunkett, and India's Shubham Jaglan advanced after five holes, ousting Kelvin Si.