PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Bernhard Langer opened with four straight birdies Friday on his way to a 9-under 63 that gave him a 4-shot lead after one round of the First Tee Open.
Langer has won twice on the Champions Tour this year and has finished among the Top 10 in eight of his last nine starts.
He played his opening round Friday at the Del Monte course, the easier of the two layouts being used for this week's tournament.
There were 22 rounds of 70 or better shot on the first day and none of them came at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Scott Hoch had the best score on the host course with a 2-under 70.
Tom Lehman, Andrew Magee, Kirk Triplett, Mark McNulty and Doug Garwood all shot a 67 at Del Monte to share second place while the group at 68 included Fred Couples, who will captain the United States team that will compete next week in the Presidents Cup matches at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.
