Clark Dennis. Photo: Getty Images

By Kent Gray
The European Senior Tour might have started the new season with a fresh name, but it’s clear Clark Dennis hasn’t changed one bit.

Dennis started the new Staysure Tour season where he left off last season as order of merit champion, a sizzling 65 earning the 52-year-old Texan a sizeable lead on the opening day of the 2nd Sharjah Senior Golf Masters. The American’s bogey-free seven under loop of Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club will see him start Friday’s second round with a three shot buffer over Thai Thaworn Wiratchant, Englishman Philip Golding and Frenchman Marc Farry.

Related: Dennis a happily marked man in Sharjah

Peter Baker (England) and South African James Kingston are a further shot back after 69s.

“It’s great, I played very nicely today, didn’t make a bogey and I think I only missed one green,” Dennis said afterwards.

“It was a pretty stress-free round, I hit a lot of good shots and could have been a few lower. First group out, I was honoured to be able to hit the first shot of the new Staysure Tour, it was perfect conditions, not a breath of wind for nine holes. The greens are perfect and the course is in phenomenal condition. It was there to be had. It’s a good place to be, at the top of the leaderboard…that’s certainly my preference.”

Defending champion Chris Williams (South Africa) opened with an even par 72 while Dubai-based amateur Steven Kelbrick signed for a three-over 75.

Related: Meet the Dubai amateur aiming for a play date with Tom Watson…via Sharjah