 Price represented Europe at the 2002 Ryder Cup |
Phillip Price's hopes of securing a PGA Tour card have been boosted after he finished the first round of the qualifying tournament in second place. Price, who has played in Europe for 14 years, is tied for second with three players, one behind leader Scott Gump.
The Welshman ended with a 67 after a rash of birdies on the back nine.
The top 30 players after the sixth round on Monday will earn PGA Tour exemptions, with the next 50 claiming full exemptions to the Nationwide Tour.
Other British players in contention include Bristol's John Morgan, whose round of 71 left him in joint 51st, while Brian Davis and Greg Owen are tied for 84th.
England's Sean Whiffin, Canada-based Scot Alan McLean and Ireland's Richie Coughlan are one stroke further back
Gump was keen not to get too carried away with his early lead, insisting there was a long way to go.
"You just want to get in a rhythm," he said.
"Even with the bad shots, you want to get in a rhythm. In 108 holes, everybody's going to make some bogeys, and probably throw some doubles in there.
"Hopefully there will be some birdies, too."
MMIX
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