Portsmouth CC’s Craig Steckowych posted an opening round two-under 70 to take a one shot lead during the opening round of the NHGA Players Championship at Baker Hill Golf Club in Newbury Saturday.

Ryan Kohler of Hooper followed at one-under 71 and Michael Mahan of Oaks Golf Links carded an even 72.

Steckowych fashioned five birdies during his round including three on the back nine to pull into the lead. Three bogeys, however, hindered his score.

Kohler led by a stroke, 35-34 after nine holes and went ahead by three strokes with a birdie and one of Steckowych’s troublesome bogeys on 10. But Kohler bogeys on 14 and 15 allowed Steckowych to gain the advantage.

Rounding out the top five were Will McLaughlin of Concord at 73, and DJ Lantz of Lake Sunapee and Jim Jankowski of Baker Hill at 74.

The event had originally been scheduled for June but due to weather had to be rescheduled. Play concludes today.