Haas shares lead at Viking Classic

MADISON, Wis., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Bill Haas, winner of the Bob Hope Classic this year, joined a six-way tie at the top Thursday after one round of the Viking Classic in Madison, Wis.

Haas shot a 6-under 66 over the Annandale Golf Club course, as did Brett Quigley, Arjun Atwal, Ken Duke, Bill Lunde and Brendon de Jonge.

Those at 67 included Dean Wilson, Charlie Wi, Nathan Green and Jeff Quinney.

This tournament begins the PGA Tour's so-called Fall Series, five events that will determine the players who will be eligible to compete on the circuit next year.

Only the top 125 money earners at the end of the season will earn a spot on the tour in 2011. Quinney, for instance, came into the Viking Classic in 148th place on the money list and needs a strong finish to the campaign to avoid returning to the qualifying tournament.

The winner of this event, as is the case for every PGA Tour tournament, will receive a two-year exemption on the circuit.

The two highest-ranked players in the field this week are Sean O'Hair (28th on the money list) and Henrik Stenson (38th). O'Hair finished with a 68 and Stenson shot a 77.

David Duval, currently 107th in earnings, also had a 68.