Anderson leads Nationwide Tour Championship

Charleston, SC – This is it.

Sixty players, 25 guaranteed spots on the PGA Tour next year and one tournament to prove yourself.

So far, Mark Anderson is making the most of his opportunity.

Anderson's five-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole gave him a six-under 66 Thursday at Daniel Island and put him one shot ahead after the first round of the Nationwide Tour Championship.

Anderson had seven birdies and a bogey -- all in the last 11 holes at Ralston Creek Course -- in his quest to earn one of the 25 tour cards for 2012. At No. 19 on the money list coming into the week, he's improved his odds considerably to reach his goal.

Behind Anderson are several players who cannot earn their card without a good performance this week.

Camilo Benedetti, who is No. 49 on the money list, shot a five-under 67 and is tied for second with No. 2 Ted Potter, Jr. and No. 4 Jason Kokrak.

Roger Tambellini, who barely got into the field at No. 60, shares fifth at minus-four with No. 30 Darron Stiles and Roberto Castro, Steve Wheatcroft and Kyle Thompson, each of whom is ranked in the top 25.

Ryan Armour, David Lingmerth, Aaron Watkins and Cliff Kresge are all outside the top 25, but share 10th at three-under 69 with No. 18 Garth Mulroy.

Money leader J.J. Killeen had one of the worst rounds, posting a two-over 74 to sit in 51st place with three other players.

MORE TO FOLLOW.