Turnesa leads Viking Classic

MADISON, Miss., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Marc Turnesa shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to take the first-round lead of the Viking Classic, the first event of the PGA Tour's Fall Finish.

The FedEx Cup playoffs will conclude next week in Atlanta, with Vijay Singh needing only to finish all four rounds to win the top prize of $10 million, but the top 125 finishers on the money list will be determined during the next two months.

Those finishing among the top 125 will earn playing privileges on the tour next year and the top 30 will receive an invitation to the 2009 Masters.

Brian Gay, who is 36th on the money list, was alone in second place after shooting a 66 at the Annandale Golf Club.

Turnesa is battling to keep his tour card. He went into this event in 169th place on the money list and has said he will play in all seven of the Fall Finish events.

Those tied for third place at 67 were Lee Janzen, Jay Williamson, Dicky Pride, Nathan Green, Brad Adamonis and Andrew Buckle.