This week: Nationwide Tour's Albertsons Boise Open, Thursday through Sunday, Hillcrest Country Club, Boise, Idaho.

First-round score: 6-under-par 65.

Position: Putnam is in sole possession of the lead for the first time this season.

Recap: Last week, little-known Brendon Todd was 53rd on the money list. He captured the title at the Utah Championship, won $99,000 and moved up to 15th in earnings. If Putnam could follow that, he likely would secure his PGA Tour card for 2009. The Tacoma native had one of his best rounds of the season (six birdies, no bogeys), finishing with a flurry with birdies on Nos. 15-17. His pitching wedge to the par-3 17th stopped close, and he sank a 5-foot putt for birdie. "The ball-striking has come around since last week," Putnam said. "Today, I made six of seven putts (under 12 feet)." His last bogey-free round came at the Fort Wayne Gretzky Classic in late June (third-round 65 at The Georgian Bay Club).

Tee time Friday: 11:55 a.m. PDT off the 10th tee.