SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Michael Allen, who narrowly missed his first PGA Tour title last month, took the first-round lead Thursday at the Fry's Electronics Open in Scottsdale, Ariz.
By finishing second in the Turning Stone Resort Championship, Allen ensured he will be exempt on the tour next year. He continued his solid play Thursday with a 7-under 63 at the Grayhawk Golf Club's Raptor Course.
Allen had a two-shot advantage over Nick Watney, Rich Beem and Frank Lickliter.
This tournament has the best field thus far in what the tour refers to as its Fall Finish -- the events played after the Tour Championship. Seven of the 30 players who competed in the final tournament of the FedEx Cup are in the field this week.
Among them is Phil Mickelson, who shot a 1-over 71 Thursday to finish the day tied for 80th place.
Tied for fifth place at 66 were Chris Couch, Tom Pernice, Ryan Moore, Ben Crane and Pat Perez.
