Michael Allen wasted no time in taking command of the first full-field event of the 2014 Champions Tour season, carding a 12-under 60 Friday in the opening round of the Allianz Championship.
Allen became the ninth player in Champions Tour history to shoot a 60, though his was the first to come on a par-72 track. The most recent 60 came came courtesy of Jay Haas at the 2012 Charles Schwab Championship.
Beginning his round on the 10th hole on the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Fla., Allen birdied three of his first five holes before capping his outward nine of 6-under 30 with an eagle on the par-5 18th hole. The 55-year-old birdied four of his next five holes to bring golf’s magic number within reach - no one has ever shot a 59 on the Champions Tour - but ultimately “settled” for a 60 after closing his round with his 10th birdie of the day at No. 9. Prior to Friday, Allen’s lowest round on the Champions Tour was a 9-under 61 during the 2010 Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
Allen’s five prior Champions Tour wins include the 2009 Senior PGA Championship, and he claimed two titles last season on the over-50 circuit. Through 18 holes he is now in position for a sixth victory, as the only player within five shots is Scott Dunlap, who sits three shots off the pace after a 9-under 63 in the first round.
