MONTEREY, Calif., July 8 (UPI) -- Russ Cochran, who has often been close but is still looking for his first Champions Tour win, took the lead Friday at the First Tee Open.
This is Cochran's third year on the over-50 circuit and he has finished among the Top 10 on 23 occasions. He has five finishes this year in the Top 5.
Cochran shot a 7-under 65 at the Pebble Beach Golf Links to lead David Eger by a shot. Each player is paired with a young golfer in a separate competition to publicize the United States Golf Association's First Tee Program.
The tournament is being played over both the Pebble Beach course and the Del Monte Golf Club. Eger played his round at Del Monte.
Those tied for third at 67 were Brad Bryant and Morris Hatalsky, both of whom competed at Del Monte, and Jim Thorpe, who played at Pebble Beach.
Thorpe is playing in his ninth event since he finished a prison term resulting from income tax evasion. His best finish in an individual tournament since his return to competition has been a tie for 30th.
