The 17th Colorado Senior Open is under way and Broncos GM and Executive Vice President John Elway is tied for second among amateurs after the first round.
56-year-old tournament rookie Ben Sauls and PGA Tour veteran Larry Rinker both posted five-under par 67s in the first round to hold a tie for the lead by one stroke. Rinker is the Director of Instruction at Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club in Wolcott, CO. He posted a bogey-free first round, recording five birdies, while Sauls birdied four of his last five coming into the clubhouse to post his 5-under score.
Patrick Reidy of Littleton, CO and Steve Jurgensen are both one stroke back, followed by seven competitors all tied for fifth at 3-under.
John Elway posted an even-par 72, a solid round for an amateur. He is tied for 25th overall and is tied for second among amateurs with five others, with Randy Reeves the leading amateur after posting a 2-under par 70. Elway had a rough start, with a double bogey on the first hole. He quickly bounced back to birdie the next two holes.
The tournament will conclude on Friday, with the winner qualifying for the CoBank Colorado Open in July.