Andy Bean has a big lead at Conover

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CONOVER, N.C., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Andy Bean has a four-shot lead after the first round of the Champions Tour's Greater Hickory Classic Golf Tournament in Conover, N.C.

In Friday's first round, Bean, a six-time winner on the Champions Tour, shot 9-under-par 63, his lowest single round score since 2003.

It matched Joe Inman's three-year-old course record.

"I hit the ball well all day, I'm talking right at the hole," the 50-year-old Bean said. "All in all it was a very good round. It could have been better, but I'm pleased with the start."

Three players -- Dana Quigley, Mark Johnson, and Chip Beck -- are tied for second place with scores of 5-under 67.

There is a five-way tie for fourth place at 4-under 68.

Those players are Tom Wargo, Leonard Thompson, Bob Eastwood, Tom Kite, and Tom Purtzer.

Defending champion Jay Haas shot 2-over 74 to tie for 69th place.