Jan. 16, 2010

Final Results 

HUA HIN, Thailand --- Former UC Irvine golfer Sean Shahi earned his Asian Tour card following the final round of qualifying Saturday at Palm Hills & Springfield Village in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Shahi finished 11th in the final stage of qualifying with a 72-hole total of 279 (70-70-67-72). The top 40 players and ties earned their exempt cards for 2010.

Shahi received All-Big West Conference accolades in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He had a top-10 finish at the Big West Championship each of those seasons.

A graduate of Aliso Niguel High School, Shahi played one season at Irvine Valley College.

"Everyone involved with our program is proud of what Sean has been able to accomplish by earning his 2010 Asian Tour card," said UCI head coach Paul Smolinski.

"The fact that he was able to travel to the other side of the world and post eight consecutive, solid rounds (first and final stages) in that situation to finish ahead of many talented and experienced players says a lot and, I think, bodes well for his future as a professional golfer.

"For many players, just earning the opportunity to play on a full-time tour is half the battle and I believe the Asian Tour is the perfect place for Sean to begin his career. Over the years he has made a believer out of me and I wish him all the success he deserves," Smolinski added.