Kite and Crenshaw tee off together

AUSTIN - Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw teed off together at the Hills Country Club Friday.  The two are the unofficial hosts of Austin's Triton Financial Classic on the PGA Champions Tour.

A large crowd followed the hometown favorites through the opening round.  Keith Fergus was also in their group.  Crenshaw struggled at times, shooting a 1-over 73 tying him for 45th.  Kite had six birdies en route to a 4-under 68.

"I really enjoyed watching Tom," said Crenshaw.  "He played great.  He played really well.  Keith Fergus played well, too.  They both had a lot of good looks at birdies, and when you can do that on this course you can expect to make some.  But, I've got to improve somehow.  I'm not doing well."

"I had a number of putts that looked like they could've gone in," said Kite.  "They either glazed the edge or came up just short.  But, I played well.  I putted well.  So, sixty-eight is not bad.  It could've been better, but I'm happy with it."

Austin golfer Tom Jenkins is in the hunt with a 3-under 69 opening round.  Champions Tour points leader Bernhard Langer leads the field with a 7-under 65 in his first Austin tournament.