Chris Cantwell is still looking for his first Men’s County Open title, but he is no stranger to leading the event going into the second round.

The 27-year-old opened the three-day tournament with a 3-under par 68 (33-35) on Friday morning at Maplecrest Country Club. He leads brother Chad Cantwell by one stroke and six-time champion Todd Schaap by two strokes.

“I was doing the math a little earlier,” Chris Cantwell said. “I led (after the first round) in 2003 and 2006. It seems to be a three-year thing.”

Play continues in the 57th annual tourney with the second round 7:30 a.m. today at Twin Lakes County Club — the home course of the Cantwells.

Starting on No. 18, Chris Cantwell played his first six holes at 1-over before recording his first birdie on the par-4 sixth hole. He also carded back-to-back birdies on the par-4 eighth and ninth holes.

“I made a couple of long putts midway through my round to kind of jump start it,” he said.

The leader also had a birdie on the par-5 14th and he capped his day with a birdie on the par-4 17th.

“I just played steady golf,” Chris Cantwell said. “It’s been a while since I played that boring of a round. I didn’t really do anything too dumb. I didn’t do anything spectacular. I birdied some holes that should be birdied. I didn’t really do anything to hurt my chances or to cause undo stress for myself for the day.”

Chad Cantwell, a two-time champion and the head pro at Twin Lakes, shot a 2-under 69 (35-34). He eagled the par-5 10th hole and also birdied No. 17.

Schaap fired a 70 (34-36) with three birdies.

“Those are the names that you expect to always be there,” Chris Cantwell said about his older brother and Schaap. “You’re not going to win it in the first round.”

Matt Ellis and City Open champion Mark Kuyawa both shot 74, while Rick Elsen and Bob Tierney both shot 75.

Defending champion Travis Engle is 11 shots back with a 79 (36-43). His round included a hole-in-one on the 132-yard fourth hole.

A/B Flight

Kelly Muzzy claimed the top spot out of 38 players with a 4-over par 75 (36-39).

Including golfers in the Championship Flight, his score was tied for the fifth-lowest on the day.

Muzzy holds a four-stroke lead of Robert Garren, who was the only other player to break 80 with a 79 (41-38).

Jamie Karow is in third at 81 (43-38) and Mike Konchan, Dan Mueller and Cory Wilson all shot 82.

After today’s second round, the top 20 (and ties) will form the A Flight, while the remaining group will be placed in B Flight for Sunday’s final round.