Langer in Solo First at Insperity Invitational


Bernhard Langer followed up his opening 6-under 66 with a 68 to rise into solo first in the Insperity Invitational. The $2 million, 54-hole Champions Tour event began Friday at The Woodlands Country Club in The Woodlands, Texas.

The 56-year-old Langer, a 19-time winner on the over-50 circuit, posted three birdies on the front nine and two more on the back, where he also had his only dropped shot of the day - a bogey on the par-4 12th hole.

Langer, who won the Mitsubishi Electric Champions at Hualalai in the Champions Tour's season opener, is at 10-under 134, three strokes ahead of Colin Montgomerie, who's posted rounds of 71 and 66.

Montgomerie, searching for his first victory on the Champions Tour, carded six birdies, an eagle on the par-5 13th hole, and three bogeys.

Four back of Langer are Gary Hallberg (67) and Langer's 18-hole co-leader, Brad Bryant, who slipped down the leaderboard following a 72. Also at 6-under 138 is defending champion Esteban Toledo, who had a 71.

Sharing sixth at 139 are Tom Pernice Jr. (67), Mark O'Meara (70), Fred Couples (70), Steve Pate (70) and Fred Funk (71). Couples won the event in 2010.

On Sunday everyone will be chasing Langer, who won the 2007 tournament at Augusta Pines and defended his title the following year at The Woodlands.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.