Van Orman runs out to early lead at 20th MGA Senior Open

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (August 29, 2016) - Five birdies and an eagle lifted Bill Van Orman of Meadow Brook to the top of the leaderboard in the 20th MGA Senior Open Championship at Brooklawn Country Club, with half the field still to finish round one.

Related: Scoring

Van Orman tallied a bogey on the second, but that proved to be his only miscue on the day. He returned to even-par with a birdie-three on the sixth before quickly jumping to 2-under thanks to an eagle on the par-5 eighth. Consecutive birdies on Nos. 12-13 and again on 15-16 added to his impressive play and led to his 6-under 65, tying the second lowest round in championship history.

Carl Alexander of Golf Club of Purchase, who played alongside Van Orman, sits in second following a 3-under 68 which featured an eagle on the par-5 11th. Brent Studer of Metedeconk posted a 2-under 69, as did reigning champion Mark Mielke, who is coming off a tie for 11th at the 101st Met Open.

Jim McGovern of White Beeches had drastically different nines, as he made the turn in 5-over but came roaring back behind six birdies en route to a 1-under 70. He reeled off three straight birdies on Nos. 11-13, then three more on Nos. 15-17 to come out with a red score, firing a scorching 29 on the back nine. Mark Yanotta of Anchor Golf Center also carded a 1-under 70.

Following today's 18 holes of play, the field will be cut to the low 40 scores and ties. Live scoring will be available for the majority of groups for Tuesday's final round of play.