Langer Starts Out Hot in ACE Group Classic


Bernhard Langer fired an 8-under 64 to take the opening-round lead in the ACE Group Classic. The $1.6 million, 54-hole Champions Tour began Friday on the Talon course at TwinEagles Golf Club in Naples, Fla.

Langer, a 56-year-old German with 19 victories on the over-50 circuit, carded five birdies on the front nine and three more on the back for a one-stroke lead over Bob Tway and two over Olin Browne.

Langer is the defending champion. He also won the event in 2011 and finished second to Kenny Perry in 2012. Langer has already won once this year, taking the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii.

Three strokes behind the World Golf Hall of Fame member are Duffy Waldorf and Kirk Triplett. Waldorf almost got his first Champions Tour win last week but lost on the second sudden-death playoff hole to Michael Allen in the Allianz Championship.

Posting 68s were Mike Goodes, Steve Lowery, Tommy Armour III, John Riegger, Jay Haas, Mark McNulty and Allen. Bill Glasson, Chien Soon Lu, Wes Short Jr., and Tom Pernice opened with 69s.

Perry was among 15 players who recorded a 70.

After carding four bogeys, a double and a birdie through eight holes, Hal Sutton withdrew from the tournament. The 55-year-old Louisianan had his first hip replaced in 2012 and had the other one replaced in October.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/ace-group-classic/leaderboard.html.