Trio On Top At Nationwide Tour Championship
Charleston, SC, United States (AHN) – Joe Affrunti, James Hahn and Brendan Steele are tied for the lead after Thursday’s first round of the Nationwide Tour Championship.
Affrunti, Hahn and Steele shot 6-under-par 66 on Thursday at Daniel Island and share a one-stroke lead.
William McGirt and Hunter Haas are tied for fourth at 5-under 67. Colt Knost and Australian Scott Gardiner are tied for sixth place at 4-under 68.
A group of nine including the tour’s leading money winner Jamie Lovemark are at 3-under 69.
The Nationwide Tour Championship is the last chance for players to earn 2011 PGA Tour cards through the money list. The top 60 earners qualified for the season-ending tournament at Daniel Island and the top 25 after Sunday’s final round will earn spots on the PGA Tour.
The trio tied for the lead have some work to do this week to automatically earn their PGA Tour cards as Hahn is 29th on the money list, Steele is 30th, and Affrunti 34th.
“It’s important but there’s such a long way to go, especially without a cut,” Steele said. “Even if you don’t play well today it’s not a disaster. Guys that shoot even or a couple over, they can still win the golf tournament.”
Chris Kirk, No. 2 on the money list, withdrew prior to the start of the round with a broken bone at the base of his thumb.
Kirk injured his left thumb last week in Jacksonville and was forced to withdraw from the Jacksonville Open. He visited a doctor in Charleston on Wednesday and an MRI exam revealed the broken bone which will keep him out of action for several weeks.
“I was really looking forward to playing these last couple of tournaments being close to home and all,” said Kirk. “This week was kind of a victory lap week. I’ve had a great year and I’m trying to not to lose sight of that and be thankful I’m in the position I’m in. This week is important but in the grand scheme of things, I’ll be playing in the Sony Open in Hawaii, the first tournament of the year and most of the early events, so I’m in great shape regardless.”
Kirk was not replaced in the field as only the top-60 money-winners are eligible to play in this week’s event. Kirk will receive last-place money of $3,000 but it will not count towards his official earnings for this year.
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