CORAL GABLES, Fla., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Frankie Minoza and J.L. Lewis each carded 6-under-par 66s Tuesday, taking the lead after the first round of the Champions Tour Qualifying Tournament.
Minoza, a Philippines native who is a seven-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, jumped into a share of the lead with three straight birdies starting at the 14th.
Lewis, meanwhile, notched five birdies in his first eight holes to forge a first-round tie for the lead. Lewis is a two-time PGA Tour winner, most recently at the 2003 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania.
The top five finishers at the tournament at TPC Eagle Trace are awarded full exemptions for the 2011 Champions Tour while the next seven finishers receive conditional status for next year.
Tied for sixth place at 4-under 68 were Sonny Skinner, Jung K. Kim, Joe Daley, Lee Rinker, James Mason and Keith Clearwater.
