Hoping to repeat his successes in the PGA Tour final qualifying school in 1997 and 1999, Keith Nolan produced a solid back nine three-under-par 33 in yesterday's first round over the Lakes course at the Bear Lakes Country Club, for a respectable total of 69.

"I just played pretty solid. I birdied three of the par fives, which is pleasing, but there was a difficult wind out there," said Nolan afterwards.

"It was swirling around and that's not something you normally get out here in Florida, but I am pleased with 69."

One of the early clubhouse pace-setters was Gary Nicklaus, who shot a four-under-par 68 on the Lakes course. The 32-year-old son of Jack Nicklaus lost his card after two years on the tour.

With half the field finished for the day and five rounds remaining, there were seven players on six under par (66), which suggests the qualifying mark to make the top 35 places will be extremely low come Monday evening.