Brian Gay takes early lead at pivotal Chrysler Championship; PGA Tour hopefuls continue battle at Q-School

Brian Gay shot a 7-under-par 64 to take the lead at the Chrysler Championship in Florida yesterday. He is two shots ahead of Mark Calcavecchia …

For Gay, whose PGA Tour card is secure next year because he won the Canadian Open last season, giving him a two-year exemption, the Chrysler Championship is merely an opportunity to finish 2006 on a positive note, maybe even with a win. There’s much more at stake for many other players. The event is the last chance to finish in the top 125 this year and earn a 2007 tour card …

There’s fierce competition going on elsewhere in golf, as well. The first stage of the 2006 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, or Q-School, continues today. Adam Rubinson of Texas leads with a 206. Only the top-27 players will advance to the next stage, held in mid-November, and keep their dreams of joining the tour next year alive …

Golfer and blogger Luke Swilor, a former two-time academic All American with the University of Utah, is 1-under-par, so he’ll need to shoot well to get back into contention.