CARY, N.C., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Larry Nelson, whose most recent of 19 Champions Tour victories came nine years ago, grabbed a share of the lead Friday after one round of the SAS Championship.
Nelson, 66, shot his age by turning in a 6-under 66 and was tied at the top with former champion Russ Cochran and Mark Mouland, who is in his first full year on the circuit after turning 50 in 2011.
The leaderboard was crowded at the Prestonwood Country Club with 23 players within three shots of the lead.
Defending champion Bernhard Langer was among those at 5-under 67 along with Michael Allen, David Frost, Mike Goodes and Kirk Triplett.
Kenny Perry joined those at 68 and Bobby Clampett was part of the group at 69.
Six-time major champion Nick Faldo made his first Champions Tour start on American soil and it lasted just 12 holes. He was forced to withdraw with an elbow injury.
"I was looking forward to playing and I want to play," Faldo said. "But I can't play with one arm."
