Jeff Bostic gave himself a nice birthday present.

Bostic turned 50 yesterday. That's the eligibility age to compete in the Richmond Golf Association Senior Championship, which held its first round yesterday at the Country Club of The Highlands in Chesterfield.

After battling cold, rain and steady, blustery wind, Bostic posted a par 72 and claimed the overnight lead in the 36-hole event. He has a two-stroke advantage over John Cuomo. The margin is three over Steve Isaacs, who won the Senior title the last time it was held at The Highlands, defending champion Tim Kelley and Dave Robbins.

Only 16 players broke 80. The final round is today.

FIRST-ROUND SCORES

72: Jeff Bostic; 74: John Cuomo; 75: Steve Isaacs, Tim Kelley, Dave Robbins; 77: John Casstevens, Jack Olsen, Jim Hudson, Jim Woodson; 78: Bob Mulvihill, Mike Neely; 79: Charlie Smith, Rusty Breeden, Ronnie Adams, Tom Burnett, Bert Wilson.