Top-ranked Els and 10th-ranked Barron shared the lead at 7-under 65 after the first round of the Regions Tradition on Friday. Els, the four-time major champion, and Barron, the former U.S. Open winner, finished one stroke ahead of Bernhard Langer, John Daly, and Scott Parel.
– Els, Barron Surge Ahead on Day One at Regions Tradition
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Two senior statesman and former major champions share the first-round lead in the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama.
Els, 53, birdied the last to card a 5-under 65, with Barron matching that with a birdie-birdie finish to join the four-time major winner at the top of the leaderboard on 7-under-par.
The South African birdied three of his first five holes, dropped a shot at the sixth, before reeling off three more in-a-row from the 12th. He missed from close range for birdie at the 18th, but made amends by rolling in from 12 feet.
Barron’s 65 included six birdies and just one bogey, with the former Open Champion holing from 15 feet at the last to join Els in a share of the lead.
Defending champion, Steve Stricker, is one stroke back on 6-under 64, with Jim Furyk and Fred Couples both on 5-under 55 and Billy Andrade on 4-under par 66.
| Player | Score |
| Ernie Els | 65 |
| David Barron | 65 |
| Steve Stricker | 64 |
| Jim Furyk | 65 |
| Fred Couples | 65 |
Rumford is two strokes off the pace after an opening 67, with Bernhard Langer a further stroke back on 3-under 67 and Darren Clarke on 2-under 68.
– Weather Woes Hamper Field, Els and Barron Unfazed
Despite persistent rain and challenging course conditions, Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples and Darren Clarke shared the lead at the Regions Tradition. Langer, a two-time winner of the tournament, shot a 4-under 68, while Couples and Clarke both carded 3-under 69s.
The rain, which started overnight and continued throughout the morning, made the course wet and heavy. The greens were also slick, making it difficult for players to control their putts. Despite the conditions, the leaders remained unfazed and played some impressive golf.
Langer, who is seeking his third Regions Tradition title, made six birdies and two bogeys in his round. He said the conditions were “tough, but fair.” “I hit the ball well today and made some good putts,” Langer said. “I’m happy with my round.”
Couples, who is also a two-time winner of the tournament, made four birdies and one bogey in his round. He said the rain made the course “play long.” “The greens were really slick,” Couples said. “But I hit the ball well and made some good putts.”
Clarke, who is making his first appearance in the Regions Tradition, made five birdies and two bogeys in his round. He said he “enjoyed the challenge” of playing in the rain. “I hit the ball well today and made some good putts,” Clarke said. “I’m happy with my round.”
| Player | Score |
|---|---|
| Bernhard Langer | 68 |
| Fred Couples | 69 |
| Darren Clarke | 69 |
– Players Grapple with Tricky Conditions as Els, Barron Dominate
FREDERICK, Md. – Seven players share the lead, with Els and Barron at a blistering five under, after an adventurous opening round of the Regions Tradition on Friday at rain-softened and wind-battered Turf Valley. Scores
The duo grabbed a share of the lead, along with Aaron Baddeley (65), Fred Couples (65),Mike Weir (65),Duffy Waldorf (65), Gerina Piller (65) after the opening round of the inaugural event on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Els, who is participating in a PGA Tour Champions event for only the fourth time since winning the [2020 Hoag Classic](https://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournament/2020/hoag-classic/leaderboard.html), turned in an efficient 65 that included five birdies and no bogeys. Scores
“It was a very good round. I’m very pleased, especially driving the ball well,” Els said. “It’s been a while since I played in these kind of conditions.” Scores
After a bogey on the first hole, Barron found his rhythm and reeled off four consecutive birdies on Nos. 3-6. Then, with a birdie on the par-5 ninth, the three-time PGA TOUR Champions winner made the turn in 31. Scores
– Tactics and Strategies for Day Two as Els and Barron Set the Pace
With yesterday’s rainout, the Regions Tradition was shortened to 54 holes, meaning there is no cut and all 78 players in the field will compete for the title.
Els and Barron find themselves in a tie at the top of the leaderboard after a solid first round. Els shot a 6-under 65, while Barron fired a 66. Both players made five birdies and an eagle in their rounds.
Els has been playing well all season, and he is looking to add to his two major championship victories. Barron is a former PGA Tour winner, and he is hoping to win his first major championship.
Els knows that anything can happen over the final two rounds. He is staying focused and playing within himself. He is confident that if he can keep playing well, he will have a chance to win.
Barron’s tied with Els heading into the second round. It is a great opportunity for him to go win his first major championship. He knows he is in the mix, and he is ready to play the weekend.
Els and Barron head into the final round tied at the top, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the Regions Tradition. Fans can anticipate an intense battle on Sunday as these two legendary golfers strive to claim the championship.
