Berkshire, England — Stephen Alker had six birdies and an eagle on his way to the 63-under 63 on an old course in Sunningdale on Thursday.
Alker won the Charles Schwab Cup twice and won nine PGA Tour Championship titles, but in 2022 there will only be one Senior PGA Championship.
He led Australia’s Mark Hensby on one shot. Defending champions KJ Che and Joe Durant were three shots behind at 66.
“Today was efficient. I drove on the fairway when I needed it, I had solid iron play and made some putts, especially on the back nine. “It’s always going to need momentum. It’s a great opening round for the senior opening.”
Padraig Harrington and Ernie Elles were in another group of shots. Justin Leonard, who made a cut at the British Open at the Royal Portrush last week, was among the 69-year-olds.