Donald opens with a 66 in Florida

Luke Donald and Webb Simpson yesterday set up the prospect of a riveting end to the PGA Tour money list race in Florida this weekend.

Donald, England’s world No 1 who has to finish in the top two at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic to have a chance, opened with a six-under- par 66 to share the early lead.

But playing partner Simpson, who moved £229,000 ahead by coming second in Georgia last weekend, was only two behind. Neither had a bogey all day on the Palm Course at the Disney World resort.

If Donald wins, the American would have to be runner-up on his own to claim the crown, while if Donald is solo second or in a two-way tie, Simpson would miss out if he is lower than eighth or 21st respectively. After making a late decision to play – as did Simpson – Donald went to the turn in 32 with birdies on the 11th, 12th, 14th and 17th.

He then picked up further shots at the first and third and with six closing pars was part of a seven-way tie with Americans Gary Woodland, James Driscoll and Scott Stallings, Australians Nathan Green and Steven Bowditch and also Indian Arjun Atwal.

Simpson matched Donald’s birdies at the 11th and 14th, the two par-5s on the back nine, and moved closer into contention on the fifth and seventh.

It was a disappointing day for the other English players in the field. Brian Davis shot 74 and Justin Rose 75 after three bogeys in his last four holes.

Meanwhile, Donald and world No 2 Lee Westwood will play in the invitational Sun City Challenge in December. The 12-man Sun City Challenge – Westwood is the defending champion, having won by eight strokes last year – will be held from December 1-4 and is dominated by European Tour golfers, featuring eight of the top ten in the Race to Dubai.