Nicklaus finishes round 1 at even par

Jack shot an even par 71 after the first round. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Tom Purtzer shot an 11-under 60 on Friday for a share of the Champions Tour record and a four-stroke lead after the first round of the Toshiba Classic.

The 52-year-old Purtzer became the fifth Champions Tour player to shoot a 60, joining Isao Aoki (1997), Walter Morgan and Bruce Fleisher (2002) and Jim Thorpe (2003).

"I wasn't really expecting much," Purtzer said. "I've been having trouble driving the ball and you've got to hit it in the fairway here. Before today, I didn't think this course set up for me very well. I've never been a good wedge player or putter."

Joe Inman was second after a 64, Morris Hatalsky opened with a 65, and Fuzzy Zoeller, Keith Fergus John Bland and David Eger were six strokes back after 66s.

Jack Nicklaus shot a 71, matching Hale Irwin, Lee Trevino and defending champion Rodger Davis on the Newport Beach Country Club course.

Purtzer, the 2003 SBC Classic champion after winning five times on the PGA Tour, eagled the par-5 15th hole to reach 9 under and added a birdie on No. 16.

"Once I made that eagle I thought I had a chance to shoot 59," Purtzer said. "I knew I could get home in two on the 18th hole so I'd have a putt at it."

His 3-iron approach on the 18th went into a greenside bunker, he blasted onto the green and made a 5-foot birdie putt.

"I hit some good shots on the front side," Purtzer said. "Usually when you go low you tighten up. I was starting to get anxious and nervous as the round went on. I started shooting at some pins and then you know you can do it."

Zoeller eagled the par-5 third hole.

"I scored well and made a nice par-saving putt on the sixth hole," Zoeller said. "But I hate rounds like I played today.

"I didn't hit the ball very well. Something screwy with my golf swing right now. I was trying to make it exciting today. But it wasn't. I just kind of scratched it around out there."