Good Opening for Tway at Sarazen

Bob Tway, seeking his first victory in more than three years, went on a late birdie binge Thursday to shoot a six-under-par 66 and take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Sarazen World Open at Braselton, Ga.

Tway, who has seven PGA Tour victories but none since the MCI Classic at Hilton Head, S.C., in April 1995, broke from the pack with birdies on Nos. 15-17 in the $2-million tournament that includes the past two champions from open tournaments around the world as well as some special Sarazen selections.

Edward Fryatt, a two-time winner this year on the Asian tour who played collegiately at Nevada Las Vegas, was four under on his back nine to finish at 67.

Defending champion Mark Calcavecchia and Stewart Cink had par 72s over the 6,993-yard Legends course at Chateau Elan, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

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Hale Irwin opened the Senior Tour Championship at Myrtle Beach, S.C., with a six-under 66, giving him a two-stroke lead over Bob Duval.

Defending champion Gil Morgan, who has tracked Irwin almost step for step the past two seasons, was four back, tied for fifth.

“If I happen to be lucky enough to win this, I’d have to say that 1998, if not the best year ever, is certainly one of the best years that I’ve had in professional golf,” said Irwin, who has won more than $2.5 million this season.

First prize in the $2-million tournament is $347,000, the largest in Senior PGA Tour history.