Rose grabs early edge to be tops in Europe

Justin Rose made the best start of the three players looking to become Europe’s top player for 2017 at the seasonending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a 6-under66 Thursday.

An eagle from the greenside bunker on the 14th hole anda stunning approach shot to two feet for birdie on the 18th handed the Englishman the early initiative in his attempt to win the European Tour’s Race to Dubai crown.

The other two players in contention for the crown — Tommy Fleetwood and reigning Masters champion Sergio Garcia — opened with rounds of 73 and 70.

Fleetwood had a lead of 256,737 points going into the final event of the season and needs to equal or better Rose’s finishing position to claim the title. If Rose doesn’t finish in the top five and Garcia doesn’t win, Fleetwood will have done enough.

PGA Tour

Chris Kirk holed an 18- foot putt for eagle on his final hole for a 9-under 63 on the Plantation Course at Sea Island Golf Club and a one-shot lead in the RSM Classic at St. Simons Island, Ga. Joel Dahmen had a 64. Nick Watney and Brice Garnett had 5-under 65s on the Seaside Course, which will be used for the final two rounds.

Women’s Mid-Amateur

Kelsey Chugg capped off a dominant week of match play with a 3-and-1 victory over Mary Jane Hiestand at Champions Golf Club in Houston to win the title and earn a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open next year. None of her six matches reached the 18th hole.