LUKE DONALD IS off to a strong start in his pursuit of Webb Simpson and top spot on the PGA money list.
The English golfer shot a six-under 66 on Thursday in the opening round of the Children’s Miracle Network Classic to share the lead with six other players.
Donald, the world No. 1, is trying to become the first player to finish the season top of both the European and PGA Tour money lists.
The Englishman was paired with Simpson, who was two strokes back after a 68. James Driscoll, Arjun Atwal, Nathan Green, Gary Woodland, Scott Stallings and Derek Lamely also shot 66 to share the lead in the season’s final event.
Donald has made $5,837,214 this season, leaving him $363,029 behind Simpson, who has made $6,200,243 while playing in seven more PGA events.
Tom Lehman is the only player since 1990 to win the money title on the final day of the season. He won the 1996 PGA Tour Championship to pass Phil Mickelson, who finished 12th — and second on the money list — that season.
Donald got off to a hot start on the Palm course, claiming birdies on three of his first five holes and going without a bogey the entire round. Simpson, who had four birdies, also played bogey-free.
The two will play together again Friday on the Magnolia Course in a group with amateurs Kevin Gallagher and Dennis Murphy.
