BRYAN, Texas (April 30, 2014) -- Defending champion Mike Peck picked up right where he left off, shooting a 1-under 70 to take the first-round lead at the 2014 Tower Invitational at Miramont Country Club.

Peck, who prevailed last year in a playoff over Bob Kearney, sits three shots up on Steve Moran and the field entering the second round of the scheduled 54-hole tournament.

"Mike played a phenomonal round today," said tournament director Brad Lardon. "The course took a toll on many of the competitors but Mike outclassed the field today for sure."

The field endured sustained winds of 24 miles per hour and gusts of up to 35. With the greens already firm and fast, scoring was at a premium Wednesday at Miramont.

Moran's 2-over 73 was good enough to put him in solo second. He's a shot better than Thomas Johnson and Michael Allen, who sit tied for third place after opening-round 74s.

Ron Kirby is alone in fifth, sitting five shots behind Peck.

"The forecast looks a little better with winds at only 10-15 (Thursday) and a perfect day on Friday, so we'll see some great scores."

In the Super Senior Division, Walt Martin holds the first-round lead. He shot 73 and is a shot better than Gary Kirway and Rick Hare entering the second round.

According to Lardon, it was Martin's back nine that gave him the cushion as he made six birdies coming in.

Patrick Hare shot 75 and is tied with Ken Redfern to round out the top five finishers after the opening round of play.

Defending champion Bob Hullender is alone in 24th place after an opening-round 84.

"This was similar to the final round here last year," Lardon added. "You put that kind of wind on any course and things get tough."

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