The 57-year-old Queenslander fired an eight-under 64 opening round on the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach on Saturday AEDT to be just one shot behind leader Ryan Armour in the Constellation Furyk & Friends.
Seeking a third win on the 50-and over tour and first since 2023, Pampling headed a bunch of four Australians within three shots of the lead.
Having started on the back nine and holed an eagle putt at the par-5 14th, Pampling was nine under par through 15 holes before going bogey-par-par to finish up.
"Obviously the tees are up a little bit, but hit driver, 4-iron," Pampling said of his eagle. "That was one of the big putts. That was like a maybe 25-, 30-footer. Yeah, first one for the year as well, so there is a lot of firsts this week."
Tour "rookie" Armour rattled off 10 birdies in his 63 to lead from Pampling and fellow American Paul Goydos (64). He joined the tour soon after turning 50 in February.
He had a slow start to his season, but in his past five starts he has three top-five finishes and hasn't placed lower than T14.
(It) took a while for me to get used to it again. As soon as I had more reps under me, you know, it felt normal," Armour said.
"I just didn't play enough my 49th year, and then when I turned 50 I was still kind of in dad mode, and now I'm in play and grind (mode) and I'm enjoying the processes again of trying to get better."
Michael Wright was one of three players tied fourth after posting a 65, with fellow Aussies Greg Chalmers and Mat Goggin a shot further back.
with Reuters
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