PHOENIX — Steven Alker and Marco Dawson every made birdie on the par-5 18th gap Friday and every posted a 7-under 64 to share the lead within the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

The ultimate PGA Tour Champions occasion of the 12 months is lacking Steve Stricker, who already has clinched the Schwab Cup and its $1 million bonus. Stricker stayed house in Wisconsin to be together with his father, who was hospitalized earlier within the week.

Nonetheless at stake is a trophy and a $528,000 payoff, one of many largest winner’s test on the 12 months for the 50-and-older circuit.

Runner-up within the Schwab Cup factors record will get a $500,000 bonus, and Alker and Padraig Harrington are amongst those that have an opportunity to win that.

Alker and Dawson have been at 11-under 131.

Harrington, the defending champion at Phoenix Nation Membership, had a 63 and was one shot behind together with Alex Cejka (64), Harrison Frazar (67) and Thongchai Jaidee (67).

Dawson was solely stunned to share the lead as a result of he stated he’s been coping with muscular ache within the chest space that harm when he swings.

“So I’m simply attempting to get by way of the day,” Dawson stated. “I wasn’t positive if I used to be going to make three holes yesterday it was hurting so unhealthy and I simply saved on going and going, it was OK, OK. So I feel perhaps that’s one of many the reason why I’m scoring nicely, as a result of I’m not centered on my recreation. I’m simply attempting to remain on the market and play and ensure I get round.”

Harrington began out six photographs behind and made sufficient birdies to get in vary.

“I used to be grateful that this can be a 72-hole event,” Harrington stated. “Once I tweeted that out, I additionally meant that I higher get again in it fast.”

Ernie Els, who began out with a two-shot lead after opening with a 63, might solely handle a 70. However he nonetheless was solely two photographs behind.