Three Share Lead in Champions Tour Event


Bernhard Langer, Dick Mast and Anders Forsbrand all fired 6-under 64s to tie for the opening-round lead in the Greater Hickory Kia Classic at Rock Barn. The $1.6 million Champions Tour event teed off Friday at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C.

Langer, a two-time winner this year who trails Kenny Perry in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup standings by 609 points, carded seven birdies and a bogey.

The 62-year-old Mast, still searching for his first victory on the over-50 circuit, had a spotless card with six birdies, while Forsbrand - a 51-year-old Swede - had seven birdies and a bogey Friday.

One shot back are John Riegger and Olin Browne, with Mike Goodes and Brad Bryant opening with 66s.

Tied for eighth after 67s are Mark Brooks, Bob Tway, Joel Edwards, John Inman, Joe Daley, Michael Allen, Colin Montgomerie, Tom Pernice Jr., Mark McNulty, David Frost, Willie Wood and defending Rock Barn champion Fred Funk. The winner in last week's SAS Championship, Russ Cochran, also posted a 67.

Perry shot a 68 along with Steve Elkington, Gil Morgan, Jim Gallagher Jr., Mark Calcavecchia, and Loren Roberts.

After flooding in July damaged the usual site of the tournament, the Jones Course, officials combined hole Nos. 10-18 from the neighboring Jackson Course for the front nine and Nos. 1-6 and 16-18 from Jones layout to create the home half for this year's event.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/greater-hickory-kia-classic-at-rock-barn/leaderboard.html.