EXPORT — Rob McClellan could count two mistakes he made during his first round at the 111th West Penn Open Championship Monday at Westmoreland Country Club.

The head golf pro at Butler Country Club missed a short par putt on hole No. 3 and flubbed a chip on 18, forcing him to settle for par.

His competitors probably felt the number was closer to zero.

McClellan, 35, shot a 5-under par 66 to take the lead.

He’s one shot in front of Mike Van Sickle, of McKees Rocks, who fired a 67. Hazle Township’s Justin Moose (68) and Oakmont’s Bob Ford (69) also shot under 70.

“I haven’t been playing a whole lot,” McClellan said. “I just wanted to hit the ball in play and try to make a putt. It’s nothing special. (Tuesday) I’ll have the game plan to hit it straight off the tee and be in play all day.”

Parker’s Mike Marron, Saxonburg’s Joe Boros and Cranberry Township’s Brett Rodgers carded scores of 75, 76 and 80, respectively.

Grove City’s Ryan Prokay turned in the second-best performance from a local golfer, shooting a 70 to sit in ninth place. Slippery Rock’s Brett Rinker shot a 72. Following the second round today, the field will be cut to the top 32, plus ties.

Between work, a busy schedule and some interference from Mother Nature, McClellan was forced to take several weeks off of competition.

The last 18-hole round he was able to get in was at a small tournament at Seven Springs last Monday.

McClellan was just happy to be playing again.

He credited caddy Seth Thomasmeyer, 23, who is a member at Butler County club with carrying him through the round.

It was the first time Thomasmeyer caddied for McClellan.

“I just played steady today,” McClellan said. “The greens were good, the golf course was in great shape today.”

McClellan expects the next few rounds to be competitive.

“(The course) is not overly long and the par-5s are reachable,” McClelland said. “If you hit your tee shot in play, you’re going to score.”