John Aber shoots 65 to lead West Penn Open

Allegheny Country Club pro John Aber may live in Pittsburgh, but he grew up in Greensburg and attended Greensburg Central Catholic.

So he’s familiar with the difficulties Westmoreland Country Club can pose.

Aber, who played in the United States Golf Association’s Senior Open and was in contention at the Tri-State Section PGA’s Falling Rock Classic early last week, shot a 6-under-par 65 and holds a three-shot lead on amateur Gregor Meyer, who shot a 3-under 68, in the 118th Western Pennsylvania Golf Association’s Open on Monday.

Aber had six birdies, five on the front nine, where he posted a 31.

Murrysville’s Palmer Jackson, Penn-Trafford’s Dan Obremski, Meadville’s Ryan Ferry and Pittsburgh’s Sasha Lobel are tied for third at 2-under.

Tied for seventh at 1-under are Peters Township’s Jake Sollon, Belle Vernon’s Bo Lustig, Greensburg’s Mark Goetz and Pittsburgh’s Paul Ajak.

There are nine players tied for 11th at even par. That group includes Oakmont’s Sean Knapp, Oakmont Country Club pro Devin Gee, Peters Township’s Tanner Johnson and Saxonburg’s Joe Boros.

Round 2 of the tournament is Tuesday, and the field of 77 will be trimmed to 32 and ties for Wednesday’s final round.

Peters Township’s Connor Schmidt withdrew from the tournament.