KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Tom Watson overshadowed the Champions Tour debut of Fred Couples and Corey Pavin Friday by seizing a two-shot lead in the first round of the 2010 tour opener.
Watson, who almost became the oldest major championship winner by far at last year's British Open, shot a 9-under 63 at the Hualalai Resort in Hawaii to move in front at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship.
Couples, who turned 50 Oct. 3 and who plans to play full time on the Champions Tour, shot a 65 to share second place with Tom Lehman. Pavin, who will captain the United States team at this year's Ryder Cup matches and who celebrated his 50th birthday Nov. 16, had a 67.
Both Couples and Pavin had an eagle during their debut round on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
Michael Allen, who at 50 still plans to play most of his golf on the regular PGA Tour, was part of the tie for fourth at 66 with Phil Blackmar, Nick Price and Dan Forsman.
Watson was less than a month away from turning 60 last July when he missed out on a chance for golfing history. He bogeyed the final hole at the British Open to fall back into a tie with Stewart Cink and then lost to Cink in a four-hole playoff.
The oldest major championship winner in history has been the late Julius Boros, who won the 1968 PGA at age 48.
"I've been here for a good 10 days, so I've adjusted to the time change and the conditions," Watson said. "The deal today was there was no wind. I made a lot of putts today and you have to do that to shoot 9-under."
