LA QUINTA – Four years ago, Michael Boyd was a caddie in the PGA Tour final qualifying tournament. Yesterday, Boyd took a share of the lead in the event.
“I'm just thankful to be here. I've got nothing to lose,” Boyd said after shooting a 6-under-par 66 on the Stadium Course at PGA West.
“At the end of the week, I'm playing in a better place, no matter what I do. I'm going to be in a better place than I've ever been in my life.”
Boyd shares the top spot with Rich Barcelo at 14-under 274, with two rounds left in the six-day tournament. Barcelo shot a 69.
The top 30 players and ties at the end of tomorrow's final round will earn PGA Tour cards for next year, with approximately the next 50 players earning full exemptions to the Nationwide Tour. The remaining players in the field will be conditionally exempt to the Nationwide Tour next season.
John Mallinger (Escondido High) scored 72 on the Stadium Course and dropped from fifth to a tie for 11th. San Diego native Chris Riley, who will have some status on the tour next season because he was 150th on the '06 money list, withdrew before the round after shooting 18-over-par for the first 54 holes.
Staff Writer Tod Leonard contributed to this report.
