Kestner, Starkjohann, Yokoi share lead at Sr. PGA National Champ.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Past PGA Professional National Champion Darrell Kestner of Glen Clove, N.Y., Chris Starkjohann of Encinitas, Calif., the Low Club Professional in the 2009 Senior PGA Championship, and Championship rookie Mickey Yokoi of Ahwatukee, Ariz., each shot an opening-round 6-under-par 66 to grab the early lead at the 21st Senior PGA Professional National Championship.

All three players had tee times in the morning, with Kestner and Starkjohann competing on the Dye Course and Yokoi playing on the longer Wanamaker Course.

Chris Starkjohann is among a three-way tie for the first-round lead after an opening 6-under 66. (PGA of America)

Kestner, one of the most decorated playing PGA Professionals over the past 20 years, won the 1996 PGA Professional National Championship title, two PGA Assistant Championship titles and is a two-time Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year.

The 56-year-old PGA Professional, who is the Director of Golf at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y., was extremely happy with his play.

"It's the first round, I was first off this morning and so it was really great to have such a strong start," said Kestner. "I three-putted my first hole and almost did again on the second, but went on to make seven birdies and just hit it really well all day."

Starkjohann, who is also a two-time Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, did not card a single bogey in his opening-round.

"I only had 23 putts today, which was extremely solid," said Starkjohann. "If I missed the green I was able to get up and down and if I hit it within 20-feet I made it. I did not get into any real trouble."

Yokoi, the Associate Head Coach for Arizona State's men's golf team, was the second alternate from the Southwest PGA Section and received an invitation when past champion Ed Everett chose not to compete in this year's Championship.

"I had no expectations coming into the Championship" said Yokoi, who tied for 40th in the 2006 PGA Professional National Championship. "I am just so happy to here and hope to play well this weekend."

Gary Trivisonno of Aurora, Ohio, David Arbuckle of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Paul Daniels of Port St. Lucie, Fla., each shot an opening-round 67 and sit in a tie for 4th place overall.

Defending Champion Kirk Hanefeld, a PGA Life Member from Acton, Mass., shot an opening-round 72 on the Wanamaker Course and sits in a tie for 80th place.

2007 Champion Bill Loeffler, the owner and operator of Highlands Ranch (Colo.) Golf Club, fired and opening-round 68 and is tied for 7th place. A total of 11 past champions are competing in this year's Championship.

The 264-player field features PGA Professionals that are at least 50 years of age, as of the Championship, who have qualified through one of the 41 PGA Sections.

The low 35 finishers will qualify for the 2010 Senior PGA Championship, May 24-30, at Colorado Golf Club near Denver.

The top eight finishers, including ties, will receive exemptions into the 2010 Senior PGA Professional National Championship.

In addition, the top five finishers will be exempt into the Champions Tour National Finals at TPC Scottsdale, provided they have submitted an entry by the entry deadline.