Hoffman and Hubbard each had seven birdies and a bogey at Tahoe Mountain Club in the second of two straight U.S. events co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour.

Players receive eight points for an albatross, five for an eagle and two for a birdie. A point is deducted for bogey and three taken away for double bogey or worse.

Hoffman closed his afternoon round with a birdie on the par-4 9th. The 45-year-old former UNLV player has four PGA Tour victories.

"It's just nice to be able to play golf," said Hoffman, coming off a tie for 69th last week in the Scottish Open. "This year has been a tough year, with back issues. Back feels ok, so when it feels ok I want to play, so that's why I'm playing. "

"I feel comfortable out here. I'm from Colorado. I'm good with elevation, went to school two hours from here, so it kind of feels like a home event, anyway." - Mark Hubbard.

The 33-year-old Hubbard is winless on the PGA Tour. He was third last week in Kentucky in the Barbasol Championship.

"I feel comfortable out here." Hubbard said. "I'm from Colorado. I'm good with elevation, went to school (San Jose State) two hours from here, so it kind of feels like a home event, anyway."

Brice Garnett, Sean Crocker and Aaron Cockerill were tied for third with 12 points. Maverick McNealy was at 11 with Henrik Norlander, Michael Gligic, Callum Tarren and Jim Knous.

Cameron Percy and Cam Davis (eight points) are Australia's leading contenders and are five points adrift of the leaders in a tie for 19th.