Woody Austin, Steven Alker of New Zealand, Robert Karlsson of Sweden and Gene Sauers each shot a 6-under-par 66 on Friday to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Boeing Classic in Snoqualmie, Wash.
Austin, who is seeking his fifth win on the Champions Tour, made eight birdies, including two in his final three holes, to keep pace with the other leaders at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. The 60-year-old has three top-five finishes at this tournament.
“Just made a few putts, that’s all,” Austin said. “Played really solid. Three-putted the first hole right out of the gate, but then … I think I might have hit two bad shots all day.”
He said of Snoqualmie Ridge, “The golf course isn’t the hardest obviously, so there’s always some good rounds out there, but you do still have to drive it straight. I don’t think I missed a fairway today, so that’s pretty important. … I think that’s the first time in a while I haven’t missed a fairway.”
Alker, who entered the week third in the tour standings, finished strong with an eagle on the par-5 18th hole during his bogey-free round. The 53-year-old is seeking his ninth career win on tour. With a win this weekend, he would join Ernie Els, Richard Bland, Padraig Harrington and Stephen Ames as multi-time Champions winners this season.
Alker said of the course, “I like poa greens. They’re always fantastic here, they’re always rolling so good. It’s just a matter of getting your speed and you hit ’em online and you hole ’em.”
Karlsson, 54, shot a bogey-free round and finished with six birdies. He has yet to earn a win on the Champions Tour, settling for second five times.
Sauers made a late charge, notching birdies on Nos. 14, 15, 16, but stumbled on No. 18 with his only bogey of the day. He tied his lowest score in a round this year and is in search of his second career Champions win. Sauers, 61, won the U.S. Senior Open in 2016.
Kirk Triplett, Michael Allen and David Bransdon of Australia are one shot back after each fired a first-round 67.
Defending tournament champion Stephen Ames struggled most of the day, settling for bogeys on No. 11 and No. 17 and a double bogey at No. 4. The Canadian finished 1-under 71 and is tied for 26th.
