Jayden Cripps is eyeing redemption after a gritty performance at the $50,000 NSW Open Regional Qualifying tournament here at Teven Valley to be part of a four-way tie for the lead following the completion of the morning half of the draw.

Cripps carded a three-under-par 55 around the spectacular Teven layout to sit alongside Victorian Aiden Didone, Kiama’s Will Diabarra, and a fast-finishing Corey Lamb, who managed to storm home with three birdies in his last four holes.

Had it not been for an untidy finish on the 9th/18th hole, Cripps would’ve had the sole lead. But like so many in the field, the uphill par-three final hole had its say.

“There are plenty of holes that you can stuff up on, especially that ninth hole,” Cripps grinned after completing his round.

“I didn’t get off to the best start and made a couple of poor swings on 10 and 11, but I rolled in three birdies coming home.”

Seemingly ever the bridesmaid, Cripps admitted he was more determined than ever to secure one of the three coveted spots in the Ford NSW Open being held at The Vintage Hunter Valley in November.

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Leaderboard: 2025 Ford NSW Open RQ – Teven Valley

With three NSW Open spots available over the next two days, Cripps knows how on point his game will need to be.

“I want redemption. I had a chance at Wollongong last year. I hit a couple of shockers coming in, and that cost me big time.”

Will Diabarra, playing alongside Cripps, also finished his round with a handy three-under par effort.

The recent trainee graduate, who completed his apprenticeship at Kiama at the end of last year, overcame early struggles to post a solid score in pursuit of one of three available qualifying spots for the $50,000 prize purse event.

“I played the first two pro-ams, and I didn’t hit the ball well at all, but yeah, very happy with three-under, played solid,” Diabbara said.

Making a late run was Branxton’s Corey Lamb, who was quiet for much of the day, right up until his last five holes.

“I started with 12 straight par threes, then I got to my first par four.

“I was a bit Quiet early on, not much happening, but then I got going hit it into some good spots an the par fours and holed a few putts.” Lamb remarked.

The final player to reach the three-under mark was Victorian Aiden Didone, winner of the Wollongong Regional Qualifying event held in Wollongong Last year.

The Victorian hung about all morning after getting off to a solid start.

“I started well; I holed a nice putt on my first hole, which was a third, and that got me going.

“I hit it close on the fourth, which was my second hole, and had a good Eagle putt that just slid by on the 5th.”

“The greens are slick, which is what I’m used to back home, a member of Metropolitan.”