Howard Clendenin of Akron, Ohio fired a bogey-free 5-under 67 to take the first-round lead at Wine Valley Golf Club in the Golfweek Senior National Championship. Clendenin carded four birdies and an eagle, including a back-nine 33, to open a one-shot advantage over Jack Larkin of Atlanta, who posted a 4-under 68.
Wine Valley, Dan Hixson's acclaimed links-style design in Walla Walla, Washington, proved a stern but fair test on opening day. Only four players finished under par, with Donald Miller of South Carolina and Phillip Ebner of Minnesota sharing third at 1-under 71. Kevin VandenBerg of New York and Donald Bidinger of Washington rounded out the group at even-par 72, three shots off the lead heading into round two.