LAQUINTA, Calif., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Jeff Brehaut took a big step toward regaining his PGA Tour card Friday by firing an 11-under 61 in the 2005 Qualifying Tournament.
Brehaut took a two-shot lead at the midway point of the six-day grind with a 16-under total of 200.
Second-round leader Dan Olsen shot a 67 and was alone in second at 202.
European Tour veteran Brian Davis and Omar Uresti shared third at 204. Uresti has been the steadiest player in the field this week with three rounds in the 60s.
The top 30 players in the 169-man field will earn full playing rights on next year's tour. Bill Haas, son of Jay Haas, moved up to 40th place after a round of 69.
Brehaut finished 149th on this year's money list and that was good enough to make him eligible for a limited number of appearances. But he put himself in position for a much higher status by playing the last three holes on his front nine in 4-under.
