Aaron Baddeley is in joint second after the opening round of the Barracuda Championship and well placed to notch a crucial victory on the PGA Tour.
The Australian is just three points behind leader Ollie Schniederjans, who scored five points with a closing eagle in the PGA's only modified Stableford scoring event.
Schniederjans hit a five-iron approach from 275 yards to three feet to set up the eagle on the par-5 18th at the Montreux Golf and Country Club.
He finished with 17 points, also making six birdies. Players receive eight points for an albatross, five for eagle, two for birdie and zero for par. A point is subtracted for bogey, and three points are subtracted for double bogey or worse.
"Eagles are huge in this format," Schniederjans said. "So, it's a little more nerve-wracking, three-footer being three more points. It's interesting you have putts that are worth more than others."
But the tournament presents Baddeley, who is 135th in the FedEx Cup race, with a big opportunity to make the playoffs.
With most of the world's top players competing at the Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio, this is his chance to forge his way into the top 125.
But he is not feeling the pressure.
"I'm not stressed to be honest," said Baddeley. "Whether you go to Web finals or whether you finish in the 126 to 150 category, you're going to get starts and my game's in a good spot.
"I'm at ease with whatever happens. Just got to go out and play and try and win a golf tournament."
Baddeley's compatriot Rod Pampling holed out for eagle from 123 yards on the par-4 14th to get to 15 points, but then dropped six points on the final four holes with three bogeys and a closing triple bogey.
Denny McCarthy was tied for the lead with a hole to play but lost three points with a double bogey on the par-4 ninth to sit alongside Baddeley.
"This golf course isn't easy," McCarthy said. "If you get out of position, it's tough. That's how you can make scores. Like at home, on the last hole, minus-three, double. But for the most part I was putting it in play. I was giving myself really good looks on the greens."
Defending champion Chris Stroud has seven points along with Australian Geoff Ogilvy, the 2014 winner, and Hunter Mahan.
The winner will earn a spot in the PGA Championship next week at Bellerive, if not already eligible.
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