Nielsen takes Champions Tour lead

PALM COAST, Fla., March 28 (UPI) -- Lonnie Nielsen shot a 6-under 66 Friday to claim the lead after the opening round of the Ginn Championship in Palm Coast, Fla.

Bernhard Langer and Fred Funk, both of whom have won on the Champions Tour this year, shared second place at 67 while David Edwards and Gene E. Jones were tied for fourth at 68.

Nielsen was able to take the lead despite a double-bogey on the par-3 12th hole of the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort.

"I'm surprised to shoot this low on this course, especially with the double-bogey," Nielsen said. "Even though I shot 66, I thought the course played tough."

Tim Simpson and Craig Stadler both shot 69 and defending champion Keith Fergus was at 70 with a group that included Tom Watson.

Ian Woosnam, making his Champions Tour debut, shot 78.