THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Marco Dawson and Michael Allen each shot 6-under 66 on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Champions Tour’s Insperity Invitational.
The 51-year-old Dawson had seven birdies and a bogey at The Woodlands Country Club. He won the Conquistadores Classic in March in Tucson, Arizona, for his first victory on the 50-and-over tour.
“I don’t know that I feel any different as far as playing,” Dawson said. “I don’t take any more chances than I used to before I won. That was then. This is just a new week. You still have to play, make the putts.”
The 56-year-old Allen also had seven birdies and a bogey. He won twice last season.
“When you’re kind of making some putts or you feel at least good with the putter, you kind of feel like you can give yourself a chance,” Allen said. “You don’t have to be knocking down every pin to do it.”
Colin Montgomerie, Joe Durant and Woodlands resident Jeff Maggert shot 67, and Steve Pate and Billy Andrade followed at 68. Durant and Andrade teamed to win the Legends of Golf last week in Missouri.
“You just want to have a chance to win going into the last nine,” Durant said. “Got close a couple of times. We didn’t quite close the deal. Playing last week and winning with Billy certainly helps a lot.”
Canada’s Stephen Ames opened with a 69 and is tied for 8th after 18 holes.
Defending champion Bernhard Langer opened with a 71.
Fred Couples, second last year, withdrew from the tournament.