Administaff Small Business Classic 2006

Haas shares the lead at the $1.6 million Administaff Small Business Classic after firing a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday at Augusta Pines Golf Club.

Haas entered this tournament 84 points behind Loren Roberts for the top spot in the year-long points race with three events remaining. The top 30 finishers qualify for the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship later this month, where triple points will be available.

Roberts is tied for 21st here after carding a 2-under 70.

Tom Purtzer and Dick Mast joined Haas atop the leaderboard after each carded a 65 starting on the back nine. Purtzer registered eight birdies and a bogey, while Mast had eight birdies, an eagle at the par-5 third hole and a double-bogey at the par-4 sixth.

Dave Eichelberger and Bruce Lietzke are two strokes back after shooting 67s, while Curtis Strange, Dana Quigley, Tom Jenkins, Brad Bryant and Bill Rogers all are another shot off the pace.

Defending champion Mark McNulty is tied for 26th at 1-under, while Tom Kite resides in a tie for 64th after stumbling to a 3-over 75. Kite is 0-for-103 in tournaments played in his native Texas, including 0-for-12 on the elder circuit.

Golfing legend Arnold Palmer withdrew from the event. The 77-year-old was making just his third competitive appearance this year and shot a 43-over 259 at last month's Constellation Energy Classic.

Larry Nelson won the inaugural tournament in 2004. First prize is $240,000.