HOLLISTER, Calif. — Two Central Oregon golfers will begin their quests today to make the 2013 PGA Tour in the PGA Tour’s National Qualifying School.

Andrew Vijarro, a 23-year-old professional, and Chadd Cocco, 27, are scheduled to play in the 72-hole first stage of Q-School at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. Both golfers are Bend High School graduates.

The road to the PGA Tour will not be easy for either golfer: To earn a tour card, a golfer must advance through 252 holes of three pressure-packed stages and land in the top 25 in the final stage in December.

Cocco is attempting for the third time in his career to make it through Q-School. He was knocked out in the first stage in both 2009 and 2011.

Vijarro, who has played on the developmental National Professional Golf Tour after graduating in June from the University of Oregon, is attempting Q-School for the first time.

The number of players who will advance to the second qualifying stage this year will be announced during play this week.

Both Bend golfers in the Q-school field are scheduled to tee off today, and the final round is expected to be completed on Friday.

— Bulletin staff report