ST. SIMONS ISLAND — Bud Cauley has the same good vibes at Sea Island, even if the stakes are different this time.
A year ago, Cauley secured his PGA Tour card at the McGladrey Classic and joined an elite group by bypassing Q-school. He took a step toward his first PGA Tour victory Thursday with an 8-under 62. It was his best score on tour and gave him a share of the lead with Marco Dawson.
Dawson had two penalty strokes because of tee shots and still had a 62, giving him hope of avoiding another trip to Q-school. He is No. 216 on the money list, and only the top 125 keep their cards. The McGladrey Classic and Disney are all that remain on the schedule that count toward the money list.
Savannah's Brian Harman, a rookie on the PGA Tour, shot a 3-under-par 67 and is tied for 26th. Swainsboro resident Blake Adams shot 68, and Swainsboro native Will Claxton shot 70.