Mason, Hall and Job share lead
in PGA International Seniors

FROM STEVE TODD, European Seniors Tour Press Officer
England's Carl Mason, one of the in-form players on the European Seniors Tour, shot an flawless opening round 68 for a three-way share of the lead with compatriots Jeff Hall and Nick Job at the inaugural Weston Homes PGA International Seniors at The Stoke By Nayland Club.
Mason carded four birdies to continue the recent renaissance that has seen him finish in the top 10 in each of the last three tournaments following his first victory of the season at the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open last month.
The trio head a congested leaderboard on four under par at the £175,000 event with five players a shot further back, while more than half of the 78-strong field are within four strokes of the leaders including former Ryder Cup players Eamonn Darcy, who settled for a 70 after a dropping shot at the last. Italy’s Costantino Rocca and in-form Gordon J Brand both finished at level par 72.
Mason’s presence at the head of the field is no surprise given his dominance over the track 12 months ago when four sucessive rounds of 67 landed him the PGA Seniors Championship.
After a slow start to the season, Mason, the European Senior Tour’s all-time career money earner, has found his form and will prove tough to dislodge after his bogey-free ‘steady’ round, which saw birdies chalked up at the 3rd, 7th, 9th and 13th.
“I played really well but I didn’t birdie any of the par fives which was annoying and I was disappointed I didn’t shoot 67 again!” said the 55 year old.
He added: “It’s always nice to get off to good start. I’m feeling good, enjoying myself and when I feel like that I’m extremely capable of winning.”
Mason will tee up with his close friend Job when the leaders go off just after midday, the latter thankful for a few bunker tips from Mason to keep him in the hunt after chipping out of a greenside trap at the last to within one foot to keep pace with the early leaders.
“I’ve had a bit of mare with bunkers over the past couple years but my on course guru, which is Mason, has given me the bunker lessons,” said Job, whose round comprised five birdies and one bogey.
“He’s given me the bunker workout and I’ve started hitting shots with more confidence out of traps and that was a tricky one.”
Despite four top ten finishes this season, Job was coming into the event on the back of his worst performance of the season after finishing tied 54th in the Czech Republic last week.
“I had a bit of a disaster,” he added. “I played too well in the pro-am I think and like a woofer in the tournament.
“But today I played very solidly. It’s nice to be at the top and it would be nice to stay there throughout the week. That’s the aim – especially when you’re playing with Mason.
“I’ve got something to build on. I’m playing well and have got good swing thoughts and hopefully it will continue throughout the week.”
Early starter Hall, who has one top five finish this season, looked on course to hold the lead outright after recovering from a dropped shot on the first to move to six under par by the 16th.
However, a double bogey at the 17th, after losing his ball from his tee shot, meant he had to settle for a share of the lead.
But Hall, who lives in Marbella, was more than happy as he attempts to climb the Order of Merit in a bid to retain his card without the need to revisit Tour School at the end of the year.
“I need a good tournament as I’m right on the bubble at 39th on the Order of Merit,” said Hall, who needs to finish in the top 30 by the end of the season.
“If it’s not this week at least in the next four events, so it was important to get off to a good start. I went out without any expectations so I’d definitely have taken 68 at the start of the day.”