SENIOR GOLF / THE TRADITION : Floyd Takes the Lead With a 65, but January’s 67 Steals the Show

Don January was one of the original members of the Senior PGA Tour, back in 1980 when it was mostly a social gathering of old friends.

Today it is a multimillion-dollar success and the competition is stronger, but January, who will be 65 in November, is sometimes still a factor. He was Thursday. Despite a back problem, the slow-striding Texan stole the show in the first round of the Tradition.

January took on the 6,869-yard Cochise course at Desert Mountain and whipped it, his five-under-par 67 putting him two shots behind the leader, sizzling Raymond Floyd.

Floyd, who went five under in the first eight holes, shot a 65. But on a day when it seemed that most of the golfers were under par, Floyd held only a one-shot lead over Gibby Gilbert. Gilbert, in the last threesome, had six birdies and a 66.

Besides January, there were four others at 67, among them defending champion Tom Shaw. Lee Trevino, Tom Weiskopf and Dave Stockton were in a group of nine at 68.

Jack Nicklaus, after getting birdies on three of the first eight holes, faltered coming home and shot 70, as did Mike Hill, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Gary Player. Altogether, 34 of the 83 players were under par on a perfect day with little wind.

“In a 72-hole tournament, leading after the first round isn’t that important,” Floyd said. “I’ve been off three weeks and I never know what I’ll do after a layoff. Naturally, I’m real pleased with the way I played. But this course is in such great shape, you should shoot well. If the weather stays like this, there will be many good scores.”

No matter the conditions, the surprise was January. He hurt his back “jerking around a couple of suitcases” and was able to play only because the people at the tour’s traveling fitness center worked diligently on him.

The always slender January used to be known as “Old Bones,” but since he was told four years ago to quit smoking and drinking or die, he has gained 25 pounds.

“I never believed in exercising, except for swinging a club,” January said. “I walked into the (fitness center) the other day and they didn’t know who I was.”

January said he is playing well right now and hitting the ball long.

“For some reason, I always could putt,” he said. “Right now, I’m happy with my game. I know nobody in the Super Seniors (golfers 60 and over) has ever won, but I don’t see why I can’t. I need the money.”

January might be happy with his game, but he definitely isn’t with his situation.

“When they told me I had to quit smoking and drinking, I was told I would feel better,” he said. “They were wrong. I felt better when I was smoking and drinking. If there was a problem, I just had another drink and felt fine.

“If they ever tell me I only have six months to live, I’m going out and buy a case of whiskey and a carton of cigarettes and everyone can go to hell.”

Weiskopf’s performance was also a bit of a surprise. Although he had not played in a tour event since last fall, his 68 put him in contention.

“I never worry about how long I’ve been away,” said Weiskopf, who lives in nearby Paradise Valley. “It only takes me one day to get ready. I’m ready.”

Isao Aoki seemed recovered from his disqualification last week in Texas, where signing an incorrect scorecard cost him a chance to win the Doug Sanders Classic.

“I felt terrible Sunday when it happened,” he said after shooting a 67. “But I feel fine now.”

Shaw, who didn’t win again after winning here last year until the Senior Slam last month in Mexico, was elated.

“Winning here gave me renewed confidence,” he said. “After shooting a 67 today, I feel confident once more. Even if I don’t win again, I love this course.”

Trevino, the leading money winner, said that he is happy with every phase of his game.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll win,” he said. “But I’m happy with my game.”