Senior Sets Pace in Charles Schwab Cup Championship


Peter Senior got off to a rousing start in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. The 54-year-old Australian carded an 8-under 63 Thursday in the season-ending, $2.5 million Champions Tour event.

After posting nine birdies, an eagle on the par-5 ninth and three bogeys, Senior forged a one-stroke lead over David Frost. Senior is still looking for his first victory on the over-50 circuit.

Frost could have tied Senior for the first-round lead, but missed a short birdie putt on the par-4 18th to settle for his 64, which included seven birdies - including six on the front nine - and no bogeys.

Two strokes off the pace is Fred Couples, while three behind is Mark O'Meara. Aussie Steve Elkington, Germany's Bernhard Langer and American Duffy Waldorf share fifth after 67s.

The leader in the Charles Schwab Cup points' race, Kenny Perry, carded a 68 along with Mike Goodes, Bart Bryant, Gene Sauers, Russ Cochran and Michael Allen.

Perry, who won his third title of the year in last week's AT&T Championship in San Antonio, entered the Charles Schwab Cup Championship with a 612-point lead over second-place Bernhard Langer.

If Langer wins the tournament, Perry needs to only finish fifth or better to win the Cup and earn the $1 million annuity that goes with it.

Defending champion Tom Lehman opened with a 69.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/charles-schwab-cup-championship/leaderboard.html.