Rose leads season's final PGA Tour event

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Justin Rose, seeking his initial victory on the PGA Tour, shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to lead after the first round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

This is the last event of the year on the tour, after which the top 125 money winners for the season will be determined. Unless a player has some other exemption, such as a major championship over the past five years, he must finish among the top 125 to earn playing privileges for 2010.

Rose is not in danger of losing his tour card because he came into this week ranked 96th on the money list. David Duval, however, currently stands 125th and if he misses the cut this week he will lose his full-time status on the circuit. Duval, who once was ranked No. 1 in the world and who won the 2001 British Open, shot a 76 Thursday and likely will need at least a 67 Friday to play on the weekend.

Tied for second at 66 were Greg Owen, Casey Wittenberg and Rickie Fowler.

Fowler turned pro last month and in his two tournaments to date has earned $553,700. If he can finish among the top 10 this week, he will be among the top 125 money earners and will avoid having to go to the qualifying tournament.

Wittenberg is 159th on the money list.

Both the Palm Course and the Magnolia Course are being used for the first two rounds this week. Rose played the Palm Course and birdied three of his first five holes.

Fowler was 1-under through 12 holes on the Palm Course, then ran off five birdies in his last six holes.

Those at 67 included Cliff Kresge, Kris Blanks, Will MacKenzie, Matt Bettencourt, Rick Price and Zach Johnson.