Veteran duo set the pace at Harlech

Experience came to the fore at Royal St David’s as Jon Bevan (Rhos on Sea) and Stephen Dodd threw down the gauntlet in the Welsh National PGA Championship.

The duo – both aged 47 - were among the early starters at the Harlech venue. The pair returned scores of three-under-par 66 in the Asbri-supported event to top the overnight leaderboard.

Bevan, runner-up last year following a play-off with eventual victor Lee Rooke, was content with his start to the 36-hole tournament, which has prize fund of almost £10,000.

“My round was very steady and I didn’t hit it into a lot of trouble,” said the 2013 PGA Cup vice-captain, who closed with two birdies in his final three holes.

“I had a couple of bogeys but most people will hit a few of them out there today.

“I think the main thing is I had a strong finish, which I’m delighted with.

“I’m in the reckoning for tomorrow, even if somebody does go out and shoots five or six-under par.

“But right now I’m going to go home, watch the football, relax and come back tomorrow to start all over again.”

Dodd, making his first appearance in the Welsh National since he claimed the title at Southerndown in 2011, opened with a bogey but bagged four birdies including one on the par three 18^th to share the lead.

“It was a nice round and I was really pleased with it,” said the three-time European Tour winner.

“I’ve played a few tour events in the last month or so and it’s been okay considering the amount of played.

“I haven’t played the tournament for the past few years so it’s good to be back and try and win, which is the goal for tomorrow.

“The goal is to win and fingers crossed I’ll play nicely tomorrow. All I can do is control what I do.

“There’s a good standard here so I’ll have to play well to win.”

First man out Cennydd Mills (Pyle & Kenfig) lies one shot off the pace after a two-under round of 67.

Three-time former champion Simon Edwards (Windermere), victorious here in 2010, posted a one-under 68 for a share of fourth place with Challenge Tour winner Garry Houston.

Former Ryder Cup winner Phillip Price sits at one-over-par, while defending champion Lee Rooke (Royal St David's) carded a four-over 73.

For the full leaderboard from the first day of the Welsh National PGA Championship, please click here.