Barnes, Molder in tight race for British Open spot

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BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- U.S. Open runner-up Ricky Barnes took a step toward making it to the British Open, as did Bryce Molder.

Molder

There are two ways for PGA TOUR players to qualify for the British Open at the AT&T National -- as the top two players from a special money list that ends this week, or as the leading player from among the top five. In both cases, it's only for those not already eligible.

Barnes is second on the special money list of six tournaments -- THE PLAYERS Championship, Memorial, The St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx, U.S. Open, Travelers Championship and AT&T National. He opened with a 70.

Paul Goydos, the leader of that money list, opened with a 73 and was in danger of missing the cut. Also in the chase are John Mallinger (70), Matt Bettencourt (70) and Kevin Na (71).

Molder is $20,000 behind Barnes, and it helped that he opened with a 64.

The TOUR had the standings posted in the locker room at Congressional, although Molder didn't need to see it.

"I did check late Sunday afternoon," he said with a smile. "That would be a tremendous honor to play in the Open Championship, which I never have. I love the golf over there. It would be a great challenge and a great honor to play."

Molder played on the Walker Cup team that competed in Nairn in Scotland, and on a Palmer Cup team at St. Andrews. Despite being in a tie for second, he realized there was a long way to go until Sunday.

"I'm going to try to ignore that as much as I can and just play golf," he said. "It's hard to."