Northern California Senior Am: Burda leads after 18

COPPEROPOLIS, Calif. (April 5, 2008)--Jeff Burda turned 55 in March and with that, the complexion of competition at the senior level in Northern California changed dramatically. The Del Rio member provided a stark example by firing a blazing hot 6-under-par 66 to take a commanding five-stroke lead after the first round of the NCGA Senior Championship at Saddle Creek. Long a dominant player at the regular amateur level, the Modesto resident now appears ready to make a statement competing against seniors. Burda, a three-time winner of the NCGA Master Division championships along with numerous other titles, turned in six birdies on his front nine at the 6,805-yard course, and made seven overall against one bogey. Burda is being chased by three former NCGA Senior Players of the Year, Earl Stewart of The Meadow Club (2001), Gary Vanier of The Olympic Club (2006) and Mark Miller of Roddy Ranch (2007). Stewart and Vanier are tied for second after one-under 71s while Miller is six strokes back of the leader after an even-par 72. --Courtesy NCGA