Three-way tie at PGA qualifying tourney

LAQUINTA, Calif., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Major Manning, Craig Kanada and Joey Lamielle shared the lead Wednesday after the first of six rounds in the final PGA Tour qualifying tournament.

They all fired a 7-under 65 in the event that will determine the last of the players who will have fully exempt status on the 2009 circuit.

The top 25 players and ties will earn a spot on the tour.

Mark Brooks, who won the 1996 PGA Championship, was tied for fourth place at 66 along with Bryan DeCorso, Jeff Gallagher, Troy Kelly, Steve LeBrun and Jason Dufner.

Both the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course and Stadium Course at PGA West are being used for the event. Each player will play both courses three times.

Lamielle, who was on the verge of quitting the game before qualifying for this year's U.S. Open, was only 2-under through 10 holes. But he eagled the par-5 11th and then birdied three of the last five holes to gain a share of the lead.

Those at 67 included Oskar Bergman, Matthew Richardson, Brian Stuard, Ted Oh, Jay Williamson, Ryan Hietala, Erick Justesen, Kent Jones and Bob Heintz.

Bob May, who lost to Tiger Woods in a playoff at the 2000 PGA, shot a 72. Joe Durant, a former tour winner, had a 68.