Foreman, who holds a one-shot lead with his two-under par 70, credited his putter for his exceptional play, converting five birdie putts in Monday’s opening round. Starting on the Bluff nine, Foreman got hot with his long broom-like putter, birdieing four of his first eight holes to make the turn at 33.

However, he cooled off on the Oak nine as he made two bogeys and a birdie to come in with a 37.

The 55-year-old, who became senior eligible in March, has enjoyed a fair amount of success over the past eight months, already winning a senior major this summer.

“It’s been a nice year,” said the 2012 NCGA Senior Match Play champion. “I’ve been looking forward to this because there’s a great group of guys and it’s always fun to play with them.”

Foreman looked to have the only under par score until Miller, who was playing in one of the final four groups, posted his one-under par 71. The 57-year-old had a fairly steady round, making 15 pars on the day to go along with two birdies and a bogey. Starting on the Oak nine, Miller bogeyed the third hole, but made up for his mistake on his back nine (Bluff) with birdies on the first two holes.

Despite the successes of Foreman and Miller, three-time CGA Senior Amateur champion and de facto favorite Jeff Burda currently stands alone in third place after a first round even-par 72. The 59-year-old 2011 SCGA Senior Champion started off slow with bogeys on his third and fifth holes. However, birdies on his ninth and 11th holes of the day got him back to level par, where he would finish the round.

Burda, who is one of two Del Rio GCC members in the field, complimented the course conditions, saying that the course was playing a little different than he’s used to as it’s in immaculate shape for the tournament. But the biggest boon for him is being able to be close to the course.

“It’s sure great sleeping in your own bed, that’s a big deal,” he said.

Thanks to Foreman and Burda’s outstanding play, the NCGA is currently leading the SCGA 217 to 230 in the race for the Senior Cup. The Senior Cup involves four pre-selected players from both the NCGA and SCGA, with three of the four scores counting toward a team total over the first two days of competition. The other two NCGA players on the team include Jim Knoll and Casey Boyns, who both shot rounds of 76. The SCGA team consisted of players Kemp Richardson, Michael Turner, David Delich and Gregory Hetzer. Turner led the SCGA team with a 75, while Delich and Richardson were the other scores counted with 76 and 79, respectively.

The second round will commence on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. off both the Oak and Bluff nines. The low 33 and ties at the conclusion of Tuesday’s second round will qualify for Wednesday’s final round.

View results for California Senior Amateur