SARASOTA, Fla. Bruce Summerhays shot a bogeyless 65 today and took a two-shot lead after the first round of the American Express seniors tournament.

The former Stanford Universtiy golf coach, who turns 55 on Sunday, leads Jim Albus, Hugh Baiocchi and Bruce Fleisher. Three shots back at 4-under 68 are Jim Thorpe, Tom Wargo, Mike Hill, Simon Hobday, Bob Murphy, Walter Hall and Tom McGinnis.

"It's days like this that really keep you going,'' Summerhays said. "It really does help when you shoot a good number. It does build your confidence.''

In four full years on the Senior PGA Tour, Summerhays has never played in fewer than 35 events. He owns the tour record for playing 119 rounds in 1996 and last year he played in 37 of 38 events on the schedule.

"I just don't like to miss a tournament,'' he said. "I'm in good enough shape to do it. And I get to see the country. Besides, if I was home, I'd be playing golf anyway. So I might as well be out playing for a million dollars.''

Summerhays said he has felt a hot streak building throughout the young season. And when he shot 65 earlier this week in the pro-am, he knew the day was near.

"It starts when you start hitting fairways and then the putter just starts feeling good,'' he said. "If you hit fairways, out here you are going to have great lies. So if you have any confidence, then you can start hitting at pins.''

Fleisher is hoping to duplicate his success of last week. That's when he joined Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and George Archer as the only players to win in their Senior PGA Tour debut, taking the Royal Caribbean Classic in Key Biscayne.

Today, his round included seven birdies and two bogeys.

"It's a tremendous experience and opportunity to be in this position -- playing in the final group,'' said the former club pro. "The more I can get here, the easier it will be to feel comfortable. You can learn a lot by it. Certainly a lot more than you can learn by shooting 75 or 80 and teeing off early.''