Tour rookie McNeill on track for debut win in Vegas

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Rookie George McNeill stayed on track for his maiden PGA Tour title despite having his overnight lead trimmed to three shots midway through the Las Vegas Open final round on Sunday.

Five strokes clear at the start of a sun-baked day at the TPC Summerlin, McNeill birdied two of the first three holes before reaching the turn in two-under-par 34.

That left the 32-year-old American at 20 under overall, with compatriot and playing partner D.J. Trahan his closest challenger.

Fast-starting Trahan reeled off birdies on the first four holes, closing to within three of the lead after rolling in a six-footer at the par-four fourth.

Although Trahan ran up a three-putt bogey at the sixth, he birdied the par-five ninth to complete the outward nine in four-under 32.

Americans Kent Jones and Robert Garrigus were tied for third at 15 under, both having played nine holes.

McNeill, who worked as an assistant club professional at Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida a year ago, is bidding to become the 11th first-time winner on the 2007 PGA Tour.