GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Arjun Atwal, who went through a Monday qualifying tournament to gain entry in the event, seized a two-shot lead Thursday at the Wyndham Championship.
Atwal lost his playing privileges on the PGA Tour after his medical exemption ran out this year but he shot a 9-under 61 in the opening round at the Sedgefield Country Club course.
Brandt Snedeker, who won this tournament three years ago, was two shots behind.
Those at 64 and tied for third were David Toms, Boo Weekley, Lucas Glover, Kevin Streelman, John Rollins and Jeev Milkha Singh.
The field for this year's FedEx Cup playoff series will be determined after this event, with the top 125 in points making it into the first of those tournaments.
Michael Letzig, currently 125th on that list, shot a 4-under 66. Mike Weir, who is No. 126, opened with a 67.
Atwal missed four months last season with a shoulder injury and did not earn enough money while playing on his medical exemption this year to keep his full-time playing status.
A win this week, however, would give him a two-year exemption on the circuit.
