Northern (left), the 2006 Colorado PGA Professional Champ, birdied three of his last four holes Monday and is tied for the top spot with Will Panella of Buffalo Run and Kirk Trowbridge of the Country Club at Castle Pines.

Meanwhile, Doug Rohrbaugh of Ironbridge, who’s attempting to win an unprecedented fourth straight title in this event, opened with a 74 and shares 18th place with two rounds remaining.

Trowbridge made seven birdies in Monday’s round, while Panella had four.

Three other players — all former champions –broke par and share fourth place at 71: Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Ron Vlosich, Gregg Jones of Sand Creek and Chris Johnson of The Pinery.

Play will continue through Wednesday in the 54-hole championship, with a cut coming after Tuesday’s second round.

The top eight finishers will earn spots in the PGA Professional National Championship, set for June 18-21 in Bend, Ore.

Colorado PGA Professional Championship
At Par-72 Cherry Creek CC in Denver

Leaders After Round 1 — 1. (tie) Will Panella, Kirk Trowbridge and Mike Northern 70; 4. (tie) Gregg Jones, Ron Vlosich and Chris Johnson 71; 7. (tie) Josephy Carlton, Graham Cliff, Bobby Quaratino, Mike Zaremba, Caine Fitzgerald and Ken Krieger 72. For complete scores, CLICK HERE.