Brewster, Mass.-Todd Vernon’s return to New England reunited him with the top of the leaderboard and an old road roommate. Less than three years removed from his victory in the New England Open, Vernon, now a resident of San Francisco, fashioned a course record-tying 6-under-par 66 and shares the lead with Eric Egloff after day one of the 5th annual Captain’s Open. The duo lie one shot ahead of Michael Brown, who used to room with Vernon when they traveled together. He shares third with Joey Horowitz, whose 67 included 10 birdies, the most on Tour during a single round all season.

A member of the CGT in 2001-02, Vernon drew upon some familiar New England karma en route to tying the Starboard Course’s previous low of 66, held by three CGTers, including Scott Hawley. His round featured an opening six-foot birdie putt and consecutive birdies on nos. 7, 8, and 9.

“There’s more urgency,” said Vernon, who returned east for last week’s Deutsche Bank Monday qualifier, this event, and next week’s New England Open. “That’s what drew me out here. I wanted a place to play.’

Egloff’s opening 66 has him one solid round away from playing in his fifth final round pairing in the last nine events, dating back to the season opening Atkinson Open in June. He offset three bogeys with seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 3rd hole.

While Vernon has spent the last two years competing in California and Florida, Michael Brown found the top of the Captain’s leaderboard via two unsuccessful stints on the Canadian Tour, where he has lost his card the past two years.

“I’m aware of what I’m capable of,” said Brown. “And I’m aware of what I’ve done the last two years, which is nothing.”

Six-under through 15 holes, Brown’s only hiccup came on the par-4 16th hole.

South Dennis resident Ken Lewis raced to a 5-under 31 on the front nine, but limped home with a 2-over 38 courtesy of consecutive bogeys on nos. 16 and 17. Lewis, a former AJGA High School All-American who played
several high school matches on the Captain’s Port Course, took just 23 putts on day one.

“I thought it was going to be 64,” said Lewis, who missed the cut at the last Tour event. “I was 5-under through 9, and I haven’t been there in a while. I started to guide [the ball].

The field of 103 will be reduced to the low 38 scorers and ties following Thursday’s second round. This week’s purse of $86,400 includes a $13,000 winner’s share. Forty-six players shot par or better on day one.