SEASIDE, Calif. (AP) — Three-time champion Mike Small shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday on the Black Horse Course to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the PGA Professional National Championship.
The 46-year-old Small, the golf coach at the University of Illinois, won the event in 2005, ’09 and ’10.
Paul Scaletta, a PGA assistant professional at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., had a 67 at Black Horse.
Jim Estes, the PGA director of instruction at Olney (Md.) Golf Park, opened with a 4-under 68 on the Bayonet Course. Brian Gaffney, the PGA head professional at Rumson (N.J.) Country Club; Frank Bensel, a PGA assistant professional at Century Country Club in Purchase, N.Y.; and Matt Dobyns, PGA head professional at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, N.Y.; shot 68 at Black Horse.
The top 20 will earn spots in the PGA Championship in August at Kiawah Island.
