Colin Montgomerie was one of three Europeans inside the top ten after the opening round of the US Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores.
The 50 year old Scot carded a two under par 69 in Michigan, a score matched by England’s Nick Job and Sweden’s Anders Forsbrand.
That was enough for a share of sixth, American Joe Durant leading the way following a round of 65.
Durant leads by one from compatriot Dan Forsman, with Brad Faxon a shot further back.
Montgomerie, the 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain, continued his strong start to 2014, having already posted six top ten finishes on the US Champions Tour.
He said:” I played very well. I didn't putt very well, but I played well. So 69's a very safe start and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'm hitting it well. Tom Watson was right in his press conference yesterday that it's very much a second shot golf course, this.
“The fairways are quite generous, but it's a second shot golf course to get the distance, the control of distance, right with the iron shots. I'm getting that right, so, I’ve put myself in a position.”
Ireland’s Mark McNulty, Scotland’s Gordon Brand Jr, England’s Philip Golding and German Bernhard Langer all shot one under rounds of 70 to be firmly in contention.
