HOOVER, Ala., May 18 (UPI) -- Scott Hoch, seeking his second straight Champions Tour victory, opened a three-shot lead Friday in the first round of the Regions Charity Classic.
Hoch, who has been recovering from the hand surgery that kept him out of action for most of 2006, won two weeks ago in Austin for his first triumph of any kind in four years. He fired a 7-under 65 to start this event.
Friday's round also marked the Champions Tour debut of former Masters and British Open champion Seve Ballesteros, who shot a 78 and finished ahead of just one player in the 78-man field.
"I have a different mind set this week after winning a couple of weeks ago," Hoch said. "Now I know I can win, and I'm thinking this week that maybe I can win again.
"I hit a lot of good shots today, but the key was putting. It was just a well-played day."
Tied for second at 68 were Tom Kite, Fuzzy Zoeller, Bob Gilder and Rod Spittle. Another stroke back were Bobby Wadkins, Ben Crenshaw and Hale Irwin.
