A Bend Golf and Country Club member is in first place at his home course after the first round of the Mirror Pond Invitational.

Franz Miller, a 41-year-old who finished in third place at the Mirror Pond in 2011, shot a 1-under-par 71 to take the first-round lead.

He leads reigning champion Charlie Rice, a 48-year-old Bend member who shot an even-par 72, by a single stroke.

Bend’s Mike Smolich and Sunriver’s Carey Watson are tied for third place, two strokes behind Miller.

The 36-hole Mirror Pond Invitational, which is the longest-running golf tournament in Central Oregon, attracts some of the top amateur players from around Oregon and beyond.

The overall leaders will tee off at about 1:30 p.m. today for the final round. Spectators are welcome, and admission is free. Proper golf attire is required.

— Bulletin staff report