Luke Donald got off to a strong start in his pursuit of Webb Simpson and the top spot on the PGA money list, shooting a 6-under 66 Thursday in the opening round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic to share the lead with six other players.
Donald, the world No. 1, is trying to become the first player to finish the season No. 1 on both the European and PGA Tour money lists. The Englishman was paired with Simpson, who was two strokes back after a 68.
James Driscoll, Arjun Atwal, Nathan Green, Gary Woodland, Scott Stallings and Derek Lamely also shot 66 to share the lead in the season's final event.
Donald has made $5,837,214 this season, leaving him $363,029 behind Simpson, who has made $6,200,243 while playing in seven more PGA events.
Tom Lehman is the only player since 1990 to win the money title on the final day of the season. He won the 1996 PGA Tour Championship to pass Phil Mickelson, who fished 12th - and second on the money list - that season.
Donald got off to a hot start on the Palm course, birdieing three of his first five holes and going without a bogey the entire round. Simpson, who had four birdies, Titleist 2010 AP2 Ironsalso played bogey free.
The two will play together again Friday on the Magnolia Course in a group with amateurs Kevin Gallagher and Dennis Murphy.