Monty Takes Early Lead in U.S. Senior Open


Colin Montgomerie fired a 6-under 65 to take the opening-round lead in the U.S. Senior Open. The fourth of five majors on the Champions Tour got underway on Thursday at Oak Tree National in Edmond, Okla.

Montgomerie, a 51-year-old Scotsman and 31-time winner on the European Tour, has never won a USGA championship in his Hall of Fame career. But after eight birdies and two bogeys for a 6-under 65, he's off to a fine start in that quest.

The Scotsman knows, however, that this tournament is a long way to completion, especially considering the 100-degree temperatures forecast for the area over the next three days.

"It's only a day," Montgomerie told reporters after the round. "It's going to be very difficult over the next three days. It's going to be very warm . . . It's going to be hot, it's going to be demanding for concentration levels more than anything, you know, over the next three days.

"This was the coolest day we're going to have and I'm glad I've got that 6-under under my belt because it's going to be difficult the next few days, there's no question."

One stroke back is American Marco Dawson, who had seven birdies and a pair of bogeys for a 66. Sharing fourth after 2-under 69s are Germany's Bernhard Langer and Kirk Triplett.

Langer, who won the U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee east of Seattle in 2010, recorded four birdies and two bogeys. The winner of the most recent Champions Tour major, the Senior Players in June, agreed with Monty that this event will be a marathon. "They say you don't win a tournament on the first day," said the 21-time winner on the over-50 circuit.

"You can certainly lose it with a bad round, so, you know, I'm somewhere in the top 10 or top 20 after today, which is a good spot to be. Still have three rounds to go."

The high temps in Edmond got to Darrell Kestner. The 60-year-old pro, playing in his third Senior Open, was forced to withdraw after completing 14 holes due to heat-related problems. He was 8-over par at the time.

Defending champion Kenny Perry finished with a 75 on a day that began with a 77-minute delay due to the threat of lightning. Play was ultimately suspended because of darkness at 8:54 p.m. with three players needing to complete their first rounds Friday morning.

Jeff Wilson of Fairfield, Calif., carded a 1-under 70 and is the low amateur through 18 holes.

For updated scores, visit http://www.usga.org/ChampEventScoreDetail.aspx?id=17179869345&year=2014&type=alllb.