AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Two-time champion Jerry Kelly shot a 5-under 65 on Thursday at Firestone Country Club to take the first-round lead in the Kaulig Companies Championship, a stroke ahead of Darren Clarke and Mike Weir.
The 59-year-old Kelly has 13 victories on the PGA Tour Champions, winning the major championship in 2020 and 2022 on the South Course.
“I love a tree-lined golf course. It’s what I grew up on up in Wisconsin at Maple Bluff Country Club,” Kelly said. “It gives me a visual, that’s why I’ve always been able to shape it both ways because I’ve had to shape it with the size of the trees that we have out there. So it’s very similar to home, just a lot longer.”
Clarke was six senior victories. He's 57.
“Anytime you shoot under par at Firestone is a pretty good day,” Clarke said. “I managed to shoot 4 today. Got to keep on swinging the way I am and hopefully give myself more chances.”
The 59-year-old Kelly has 13 victories on the PGA Tour Champions, winning the major championship in 2020 and 2022 on the South Course.
“I love a tree-lined golf course. It’s what I grew up on up in Wisconsin at Maple Bluff Country Club,” Kelly said. “It gives me a visual, that’s why I’ve always been able to shape it both ways because I’ve had to shape it with the size of the trees that we have out there. So it’s very similar to home, just a lot longer.”
Clarke was six senior victories. He's 57.
“Anytime you shoot under par at Firestone is a pretty good day,” Clarke said. “I managed to shoot 4 today. Got to keep on swinging the way I am and hopefully give myself more chances.”
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