Day grabs share of Senior British Open lead

GOLF

Day shares Senior British Open lead

GLENEAGLES, Scotland -- Playing with a new set of golf clubs after his own ones failed to arrive from the United States, Glen Day never expected to be a contender at the Senior British Open this week.

Imagine his surprise, then, at taking a share of the lead after the first round at Gleneagles on Thursday.

"I did get them in time to play a couple of practice rounds," Day said of his new clubs, "so at least I know where the ball goes with those clubs. It's not ideal but even if I get my stuff, I still may play these."

Day (Little Rock) converted an 8-foot eagle putt at the par-5 18th at The King's Course to match Stephen Ames' bogey-free 6-under 64.

The 56-year-old American, who said he arrived in Scotland with "nothing," didn't feel he hit it well with his new driver or putter all day.

"I have no reason to believe I would play good today," he said.

Padraig Harrington wasn't too impressed with his own performance, either, in his first appearance in a Senior Open.

Still, the two-time Open champion and reigning U.S. Senior Open champion made five birdies on the back nine in his round of 66.

"I'm happy with the score," the 50-year-old Irishman said. "I was very tentative. I putted well and my putter saved me most of the day. I was just tentative with my iron shots particularly."

Ken Duke (Arkadelphia, Henderson State) posted a 1-under 69.

Upcoming Events