Rhoden, Masingill share lead

CORAL SPRINGS, FL -- Former major league pitcher Rick Rhoden (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) and Scott Masingill (Payette, Idaho) share the first-round lead following rounds of 4-under-par 68 at the Champions Tour National Qualifying Tournament at TPC Eagle Trace.

Rick Rhoden has a share of the first-round lead at TPC Eagle Trace. (Condon/PGA TOUR)

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Rhoden spent 16 years in the major leagues as a pitcher with the Dodgers, Pirates, Yankees and Astros. He compiled a career mark of 151-125 and was a two-time National League All-Star. The 54-year-old Rhoden got off to a slow start, firing a 1-over-par 37 on the front nine, but rebounded with a 5-under-par 31 on the back nine. After making the turn at 1 over, he started with an eagle on No. 10 and followed with birdies on Nos. 11-12 before adding two more birdies on Nos. 15 and 17. Masingill's scorecard showed six birdies, including three on each side.

Four players currently are tied for third place, one stroke behind Rhoden and Masingill. That group includes Robert Thompson (Huntsville, Texas), Chris Dachisen (Warren, N.J.), Perry Arthur (Plano, Texas) and Thomas Jones (Orlando, Fla.).

Both Rhoden and Masingill have previous Champions Tour experience.

Rhoden has made 32 starts in his career and has three top-10 finishes with a career-best tie for fifth at the 2003 Allianz Championship. Masingill has made 30 career starts, including 17 in 2006 when he was an exempt player. His best career finish is a tie for 22nd at the 2003 3M Championship. He is a seven-time winner of the Idaho State amateur.

There will be no cut in the 72-hole qualifier. At the end of four rounds, the low-30 players and ties earn spots into open qualifiers at all co-sponsored events on the Champions Tour in 2008.