Polk starts strong in quest for fourth Colorado Senior title

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (Sept. 11, 2018) – The Blue Course at Eisenhower Golf Club yielded a grand total of one sub-par round on Tuesday, and it was to a 63-year-old who is looking for his fourth victory in the CGA Senior Amateur.

Robert Polk, a member of the CGA board of directors from Colorado Golf Club in Parker, shot a 1-under 71 on Tuesday to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the 47th CGA Senior Am.

The champion in this event in 2005, '07 and '09, Polk is attempting to become just the fourth person to win the CGA Senior Amateur at least four times, joining Larry Eaton (a seven-time champion), John Olive (five) and Les Fowler (four).

Polk made four birdies and three bogeys on Tuesday.

Keith Atkins of Highland Meadows Golf Course, the 2017 CGA Senior Player of the Year, trails by one after a five-birdie day.

Three players -- including Wyoming resident John Hornbeck, winner of the 2018 CGA Senior Match Play -- opened with 73 and share third place. Owen Ellis of Flatirons Golf Course and Mark Spenner of Front Range Golf Club are also at that number.

The last two champions in this tournament carded first-round 74s -- Steve Ivan of Patty Jewett Golf Course (winner in 2017) and Kevin Ott of The Club at Rolling Hills (2016). John Hull of Collindale Golf Course also started with a 74.

The field will be cut from 84 to the low 40 players and ties after Wednesday's second round. The tournament, limited to players 52 and older, will conclude on Thursday.