Torrance leads at Kinko's Classic senior event
Scot Sam Torrance shares the lead after the first round of the Kinko’s Classic.
A birdie on the 18th was one of four on the back nine for Torrance, whose five-under-par 67 left him level with American Ray Floyd.
Torrance played the par fives in three under, and said: “I played beautifully. This was my best round on the Champions Tour.”
Torrance joined the elder circuit when he turned 50 late last year.
Floyd, bothered by back trouble earlier this year, also birdied the last in a bogey-free round.
It was his best round of the year, having broken 70 just twice in 14 rounds, finishing no better than 33rd in four Champions Tour events and missing the cut at The Masters.
“I am healthy now,” said Floyd, 61, who has had back woes throughout his career.
“I have not had any back problems for three or four months.”
Playing consecutive events for the first time since February, Floyd had three birdies and an eagle at the par-five, 505-yard eighth hole.
“I only missed two greens and made good (par save) recoveries at number two and number 17,” said Floyd, who has 14 career Champions Tour wins but none since 2000.
“When you can hit 16 of 18 greens, you will do well.”