Chris van der Velde trails two Washington professionals after the first round Thursday of the Pacific Northwest Senior PGA Professional Championship at Tetherow Golf Club in Bend.

The 50-year-old managing partner of Tetherow shot an even-par 72 at his own club to get himself into a tie for third place.

John Kelley, of Arlington, Washington, and Steve Stull, a pro from Kennewick, Washington, both shot a 3-under 69 to take the first-round lead of the 36-hole championship.

All three golfers are in ideal position heading into today’s final round. The lowest seven golfers qualify for the 2014 Senior PGA Professional National Championship in November at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Jeff Fought, the director of golf at Black Butte Ranch, shot a 4-over 76 to remain in the hunt for a third consecutive berth in the Senior PNC.

The tournament concludes today. Tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. and the leaders, including van der Velde, are scheduled to tee off at 9:20 a.m.

— Bulletin staff report