Langer leads on Champions Tour

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NAPLES, Fla., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Bernhard Langer, named the Champions Tour Player of the Year each of the last three seasons, shared the lead Friday after one round of the ACE Group Classic.

Langer finished 16th and 17th in his first two starts on the tour this year, but he returned to his typical form at The Quarry course. His 8-under 64 left him tied for the top with Russ Cochran.

Mark O'Meara was alone in second with a 65 while Mark Calcavecchia, Keith Fergus and Olin Browne all had a 67.

Langer got his round going by chipping in for an eagle at the par-5 third and picked up three birdies before making the turn.

"I wasn't really happy the first two tournaments I played," Langer said. "There were good moments in both of those tournaments, but there was also too much other stuff, too many dropped shots, too many missed opportunities.

"So I worked really hard the last few days, extremely hard. Maybe too much. I kind of wore myself out, but it didn't show today. Overall, it was a pretty solid round. I enjoyed it. It was fun being out there."

Defending champion Fred Couples skipped the event to take part in the Northern Trust Open on the regular PGA Tour and he had the lead after two rounds at Riviera Country Club.