Irwin shoots age on Champions Tour

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Hale Irwin shot his age with a 6-under-par 65 Friday, giving him a share of the lead after one round of the AT&T Championship.

Irwin celebrated his 65th birthday in June and by accomplishing the rare feat of shooting his age in competition he moved into a tie for first place with John Cook, Larry Nelson, Mark Wiebe and Chien Soon Lu.

A victory would make Irwin the oldest winner in the history of the Champions Tour. He holds the Champions Tour record with 45 victories, the last of which came three years ago.

"First time ever I've shot my age," said Irwin, who won the U.S. Open in 1974, 1979 and 1990. "I'm encouraged with how I'm hitting my shots. I'm pleased with my results."

Cook is a two-time winner of this event and Nelson captured the tournament in 2001. Nelson, 63, has not won since 2004.

"It's very difficult for guys our age to have three good days in a row," Nelson said. "I thought I had a good shot at shooting my age today, too."

Gene Jones, Chip Beck, Keith Fergus, Dan Forsman, Russ Cochran, Steve Lowery, Rod Spittle, Javier Sanchez, Kirk Hanefeld and Mark Calcavecchia were all just a shot behind at the Oak Hills Country Club.

Irwin's round was highlighted by a 30-foot chip-in for eagle at the par-5 15th and he finished his round by holing a 10-foot putt for par.

Mike Fetchick holds the record for oldest Champions Tour winner, having claimed the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International at age 63.