Daniel, Kemmer share Canadian Tour Championship lead

Scarborough, ON – Matt Daniel and Dodge Kemmer both shot 5- under 66s on Thursday to share the first-round lead of the Canadian Tour Championship.

Tyler Aldridge is third at 4-under 67 at Scarborough Golf & Country Club.

Daniel had an up-and-down front nine Thursday with two birdies and two bogeys. He carded five birdies on his second side, including three in a row from the 15th.

"I've been getting a little frustrated with my play lately, but I got a few words of encouragement from some different people," said Daniel, who hasn't finished higher than a tie for 27th this season. "It got me in a good frame of mind, and when you're in a good frame of mind you make putts."

Kemmer was 2-under through five holes, but found trouble at the par-5 sixth. His ball moved when he took a practice swing and he was dinged with a 1-stroke penalty. Kemmer made a double bogey on the hole.

"I took some practice swings a foot or six inches from the ball and it settled into the rough a little bit," said Kemmer. "I know I could have been a few shots better, but I'm looking forward to the next three days."

Kemmer birdied No. 7, then rattled off five birdies on the back nine. He had his own run of three straight, but his came at Nos. 10-12.

There is a huge logjam in fourth place at 3-under 68. Michael Gligic, who captured this year's ATB Financial Classic and is second on the tour's money list, is one of the 14 two behind the leaders.

NOTES: Defending champion Stuart Anderson shot an even-par 71 on Thursday...Matt Hill, who leads the Canadian Tour Order of Merit, opened with a 3-over 74.