Bernhard Langer in three-way tie atop Day 1 Senior PGA leaderboard

BRADENTON – Bernhard Langer, the 68-year-old golf legend from Germany and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, fired a 6-under par 66 on Thursday, April 15, to earn a share of the lead after the first round of the 86 th Senior PGA Championship . Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, known for his trademark gray ponytail and ever-present cigar, and Stephen Allan of Australia also shot 66 at The Concession Golf Club to create a three-way tie at the top. “Whenever you shoot your age or better, you know you are playing well,” said Langer, whose 47 victories on the PGA’s senior circuit is the all-time best.

“There is a fine line between playing great and mediocre on this course. ” Langer nailed a monster 65-foot putt for an eagle on the par-5 17 th hole. It helped make up for a double bogey on the par-3 11 th hole.

“If I could putt this way the rest of my career, I would be happy,” Langer said. “I tried to get fancy (on No. 11) and opened the blade.

I hit it over the green. ” More: Steve Alker favored to win Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Langer owns a staggering 126 professional victories and has been the senior money leader 12 times. He’s only one of five golfers to win professional titles on the six continents where golf is played and won 1985 and 1993 Masters Tournaments.