Rose takes first-round lead at Disney World

Rose's seven birdies included three in a row from the fifth hole on the Palm Course, one of two in use for the tournament along with Disney's Magnolia Course. Rose is in search of his first U.S. tour win. But he entered the event ranked 96th on the money list and unlike some in the field doesn't have the pressure of trying to retain his card for next season.

Fowler, 20, is making just his third start since leaving the U.S. college ranks and turning pro. He has a chance to join Tiger Woods as one of a handful of players to go from college to receiving full status on tour in the same year by earning enough money on sponsors' exemptions.

Former world number one David Duval was among those in danger of losing their full status for 2010. Duval carded a four-over 76 and was tied for next to last place.

Only the top 125 on the final money list will have full playing privileges next season. Duval, whose runner-up finish at the U.S. Open combined with his 2001 British Open championship will get him into the first three majors next year, began the tournament at No. 125.

"There's guys grinding for their livelihood out there," said Will Mackenzie, who is four shots off the lead. "It's tough. I mean, it's tough."

Rose, who teed off at the 10th hole on the Palm Course, birdied three of four holes from the 11th. He also birdied three in a row from the fifth, as he coped admirably with windy, damp conditions.

"Although the courses aren't the most difficult in the world, I guess (bogey-free rounds) are pretty few and far between because it certainly was tricky out there," Rose said. "Even good shots at times weren't going close to the flags because of gusting winds.

"But I drove the ball well, got it in play on every hole. When I did hit a scratchy iron shot, my short game was really solid."

Fowler, who has recorded nine straight rounds in the 60s, ended his day with a 40-foot birdie chip from just off the 18th green. He was alone atop the leader board for most of the day until Rose surpassed him in one of the final groups.

Fowler said he's trying not to focus on the chase for a tour card.

"I definitely think about it off the course," he said. "When I'm out here playing, I'm just trying to get the ball in the hole as fast as I can and get things going."

Fowler probably needs a top-10 finish to earn enough money to avoid qualifying school.

Woods and Phil Mickelson are a couple of well-known players who have accomplished what Fowler is trying to do.

Woods played in 11 events in 1996 -- winning twice -- to avoid Q-School. Mickelson landed a two-year exemption on tour in 1991 when he won the Northern Telecom Open while still playing at Arizona State University.

Ryan Moore was the last player to go from college to full status on tour in the same year, in 2005.

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