Monty off to Solid Start at Ace Group Classic


Colin Montgomery fired a 6-under 66 to take the opening-round lead at the ACEE Group Classic. The $1.6 million, 54-hole Champions Tour event began Friday at TwinEagles Golf Club in Naples, Fla.

The 51-year-old Scotsman, a two-time winner - both major victories - on the American over-50 circuit, had one birdie on the Talon course's front nine before tacking on five more coming home. He leads Tommy Armour III by a stroke, with Lee Janzen and defending champion Kirk Triplett two back.

"I prefer this golf course, I do, I prefer the golf course," said Montgomerie, a 31-time winner on the European Tour. "You have a feel to a golf course. I was sixth there last year and I've been looking forward to coming back here. I do like the way this course sets up, a Jack Nicklaus course."

Monty added that, although his game was generally spot-on, he could've gone even lower on a venue that became more difficult as the day wore on. "I had eight birdie putts and didn't hole one of them, so that was disappointing to turn at 35," he noted.

"Then as the wind picked up and it got more difficult, I happened to hole some putts on the back nine and that's all really."

Trailing Montgomerie by three are Americans Bobby Wadkins, Marco Dawson, Wes Short Jr., Scott Dunlap, Paul Goydos and Michael Allen and Mexico's Esteban Toledo. Goydos won last week's Allianz Championship with a birdie on the final hole in Boca Raton, Fla.

Sharing 12th after 2-under 70s are Americans Brian Henninger, Bart Bryant and Dan Forsman, Argentina's Jose Coceres and Scotland's Sandy Lyle.

Reigning Charles Schwab Cup champion Bernhard Langer opened with a 71.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.