Romero leads in Senior debut

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, July 22 (UPI) -- Eduardo Romero, making his first appearance on the Champions Tour five days after his 50th birthday, shared the lead Thursday at the Senior British Open.

Romero is expected to be a major force on the elder circuit and he demonstrated his skills immediately with a 3-under 69 over the Royal Portrush course.

That tied him for the top spot with John Chillas, Jim Rhodes and Don Pooley. Carl Mason and Ian Mosey shared fifth at 70 and Tom Kite was among those at 71.

Romero has played most of his career on the European Tour, where he is an eight-time winner.

"I am very happy. It's my first tournament and I can see my old friends that I have known for a long time," said Romeroo, who turned 50-years-old five days ago. "Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley told me this is the best course in Northern Ireland. When I see the golf course and play it, I see that it is fantastic. It's very, very nice."

Tom Watson, the defending champion who missed last week's British Open with neck problems, shot a 75.