Maggert Fires 67 for 18-Hole Lead at Regions Tradition


Jeff Maggert recorded a 5-under 67 to take the opening-round lead at the Regions Tradition. The $2.3 million event, the first major of the year on the Champions Tour, began Thursday at Shoal Creek in Alabama.

The 51-year-old Maggert, a resident of Houston with one victory on the over-50 circuit, opened with five birdies on the front nine to make the turn in a promising 5-under 31.

But the winner of last year's Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic didn't keep the momentum going on the home half as three more birdies couldn't offset a trio of bogeys.

Still, the three-time PGA Tour winner enjoys a one-stroke edge over Kevin Sutherland and was pleased with his first round. "Five-under is an excellent start," Maggert said. "But this is a four-day tournament. You have to come out and play each day."

The 50-year-old Sutherland, who electrified the golf world by becoming the first player on the Champions Tour to shoot a 59 at last year's Dick's Sporting Goods Open, had six birdies and a pair of bogeys.

"This course really makes you think, and course knowledge is important," said Sutherland, who's playing Shoal Creek for the first time in his professional career. "But any time you can make six birdies, it's a good day."

Trailing Maggert by two are Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie and Wes Short, Jr. Watson has won six Champions Tour majors and Montgomerie two, both of which came last year in the Senior PGA and U.S. Senior Open.

One stroke further back are Tom Byrum, Gil Morgan, Gene Sauers, Kenny Perry, Fred Funk, David Frost, Esteban Toledo, Michael Allen and Guy Boros. Perry is the defending Regions Tradition champion.

Opening with 71s were Scott Hoch, John Cook, Olin Browne, Tom Pernice Jr., Jay Don Blake, Billy Andrade, Mark O'Meara, Kirk Triplett, Russ Cochran and Jeff Hart.

Reigning Charles Schwab Cup winner and 23-time Champions Tour winner Bernhard Langer started out with a 73.

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