Murray White, who made the cut at last week's PGA Seniors Championship, shared top spot in the popular East Herts Weston Homes pro-am.
The Penfold Park pro tied alongside Mark Stokes (Rayleigh Golf Range) and Stephen Harris (Harpenden) with all three shooting three under par 68s.
White had an eagle at the 493 yard par five 17th hole to lift him amongst the leaders.
Stokes, starting on the 10th tee, was five under after 10 holes but then dropped a couple of shots towards the end of his round.
Harris, also starting at the 10th, had four birdies and a bogey.
Six players were fourth equal at two under par including host professional Daniel Field who was four under after his first six holes after starting at the 10th. Then the magic disappeared.
Others on two under were Matt Deal (Hendon), Brett Taylor (Chelmsford), Stuart Brown (Orton Meadows), Jonathan Fryatt (Thorpe Hall) and PGA East Region chairman Lee Fickling (Bush Hill Park).
James Gurry of Millers Barn Golf Park near Clacton brought in the winning team at 15 under par. White's team and the amateurs with Luke Eggleston of Orsett were both 14 under par.
03 July, 2009