BREWSTER, Mass., (September 6, 2006) – Kevin Silva of New Bedford, Mass., shot a course-record and personal-best 8-under par 64 on Wednesday to take the first-round lead at the New England Pro Golf Tour’s Captains Open.

 

Silva registered nine birdies, including four straight beginning at the seventh hole, to take a one-shot lead at Captains Golf Course’s Starboard Course. Michael Harris of Troy, Mich., and Nathan Smith of Soquel, Calif., each shot 65 while playing in the same group. Martin Catalioto of Ramsey, N.J. is two back following a 66.

 

“I’ve worked hard on my wedge play and putting the last few days,’’ said Silva, who has three top-15 finishes in seven starts this season. “I played to my strengths today, and it paid off.’’

 

The three-day, 54-hole tournament in Brewster, Mass., runs through Friday and is the eighth stop on the 2006 schedule for the New England Pro Golf Tour – the premier developmental golf tour in the country. A field of 127 players, including seven Cape Cod residents, is competing for a Tour-record purse of $112,500 with $17,150 awarded to the winner.

 

Eric Egloff of Sandy Spring, Md., who previously held the course record  with a 65 in last year’s final round, shot 68 to begin his title defense. Tour money-leader Geoffrey Sisk of Marshfield, Mass., however, fired a 3-over par 75 – his first round above par in 21 rounds this season.

 

Orleans’ Brent Wanner, the former Wake Forest All-American, led seven players from Cape Cod with a 4-under par 68. Among the others Michael Carbone (Brewster) shot 70, Jim Hallet (South Yarmouth) 71, Ken Lewis (South Dennis) 72, Corey Brigham (Yarmouth) 76, Adam Brill (Oak Bluffs) 79 and Mark O’Brien (Brewster) 83.

 

“I just didn’t capitalize on the par-5s,’’ said Wanner, who was even-par on the four par-5s in his first New England Pro Golf Tour event. “If I can just pick it up on those holes, I’ll be in good shape.’’

 

With soft greens and little wind, 54 players broke par on Wednesday, and 26 players finished below 70.

 

For Silva, it was the best score he can remember. He once shot a 65 at the Northeast Amateur and had another 65 in a casual round with friends in North Carolina. The lowest round he’d shot on tour this year was a 66 in the second round of the Wintonbury Hills Open.

 

“With the conditions today, you really had to take advantage,’’ Silva said. “The greens were receptive, and the par-5s were reachable. I’m happy with the way I started and hope it continues Thursday.’’

 

Following the Captains Open, the Tour is off for a week before heading to Montreal September 19-21 for the first Bonjour Quebec at I’lle de Montreal’s South Course.