Knodt leads USGA Senior Amateur Champ. qualifying

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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Howie Knodt shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of stroke-play qualifying in the USGA Senior Amateur Championship at Shady Oaks Country Club.

"I like the golf course," said Knodt, 55, of Chula Vista, Calif. "I like the way it sets up for me. I really like the greens. They're really similar to what I'm used to playing. I just felt pretty comfortable."

University of Florida coach Buddy Alexander, 55, was a stroke back along with Dave Denezza, 61, of Greensburg, Pa., and Tom Doughtie, 55, of Amarillo, Texas.

"It's a little bit like riding a bike," Alexander said. "If you manage to hit enough balls to feel comfortable about your game, the competition part (comes back). I've been doing this a long time. I've never played a heavy schedule, even after winning the Amateur, usually just five or six events a year."

Defending champion Stan Lee, 56, of Heber Springs, Ark., opened with a 72.

The top 64 players after two rounds will advance to match play.