GOLF NEWPORT PRO-AM : Costa Mesa’s Parker One Back After First Round

Ron Stelton made eight birdies in a round of six-under 65 Friday that gave him the first-round lead in the 36-hole Newport Pro-Am at Newport Beach Country Club.

Defending champion Perry Parker of Costa Mesa is one shot back at 66 and Pat Burke of Azusa and Dennis Trixler of San Mateo are at three-under 68.

Stelton, who finished fifth in this event last year, bogeyed the first two holes. “You have to be patient in this game,” he said. “You know you’re going to make some bad shots and I just had mine all at the start. There were still a lot of holes left and I knew a lot could happen. My goal from the start was to be in the hunt and I’m right there.”

Stelton, from La Quinta, has competed on the PGA and European tours and will be leaving for Europe next month. “This is my first tournament every year and it gets me motivated to start the year. I’m more mentally ready to play well than I have ever been. There’s a lot of golf left and I need to go out tomorrow and close the door.”

Parker made six birdies and one bogey to finish one shot back. “I played real solid,” Parker said. “I hit the ball well and kept it under control all day. Coming back with a birdie after I bogeyed 10 was key.

“I feel real good finishing on this golf course and I think the tournament will be decided on holes 15 through 18. If I can get off to a good start and make some birdies on the last few holes, I think I’ve got a good chance.”

In the pro-am competition, pro J.C. Anderson and his amateur partner, Eugene Elling, are leading at 8-under 63.

Pro Robert Meyer, who shot 69, aced the 185-yard 17th hole with an eight-iron.

The final round begins at 7:05 a.m. today with the leaders teeing off around 10:30. Admission is free.