Eyeing a three-peat, Bob Capoun took the lead after the first round of the 13th annual Senior County Open on Wednesday at Spring Valley Country Club.

The two-time defending champion shot a 2-over par 72 (37-35) to take a one-stroke advantage over three players.

Mark Kuyawa (38-35), Mike Smolinski (37-36) and Rick Stettner (36-37) all had 73s.

The 70-year-old Smolinski, a six-time Senior Open champion, missed the Men’s County Open earlier this summer after playing in all but one of the events since his first in 1956. Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in his left hand and right elbow, Smolinski has been limited to a handful of rounds this season.

The final foursome will tee off at 11:45 a.m. in today’s final round.

Dave Serdar is three shots back at 75 (36-39) and is fifth in the 75-player field.

Charlie Hawkins, the oldest golfer in the tourney at 88 years old, carded a 76 (38-38) and is tied for sixth place along with Larry Crum (39-37), Ray Koziol (38-38) and Mark Olsen (38-38).

Complete first-round scores and today’s tee times are on the Scoreboard, page C4.