Lake Orion, MI (Sports Network) - Tom Kite fired a 5-under 65 early Thursday
morning, and the round was good enough for him to stand as the leader after
the first round of the U.S. Senior Open.
Kite carded six birdies on his front nine to jump out in front, a good start
as he pursues his first victory since 2008.
The 62-year-old is searching for another major title, which have been fairly
elusive for him throughout his career. He frequently was in the top-5 and
top-10 at majors during his PGA career, but broke through for just one title
-- the 1992 U.S. Open.
The same pattern has unfolded during his Champions Tour career. He's been a
contender at most majors he's played, but taken only one win -- the Tradition
in 2000.
Now, the Texan finds himself in good position to contend for another. Lance
Ten Broeck and two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer share second at 4-
under 66.
Corey Pavin left the course tied with Kite for the lead at minus-5, but was
assessed a two-stroke penalty because his ball moved before his second shot on
the fifth hole.
Pavin was agreeable to the assessment, which bumped him back to 3-under 67 and
into a tie for fourth with Tom Pernice Jr., Jeff Sluman, Fred Funk and Mikael
Hogberg.
Defending champion Olin Browne shot a 1-under 69 and is in a group tied for
15th.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
The Sports Network