Jay Sigel posted his best opening round on the Senior PGA Tour in four months, a 5-under-par 67 today, that gave him a two-shot lead over a group of eight in the BankBoston Classic.

Tied for second at Nashawtuc Country Club were defending champion Hale Irwin; last week's tour winner Christy O'Connor of Ireland; John Bland of South Africa; Bruce Summerhays; Bob Charles of New Zealand; Tom McGinnis; Hubert Green; and Alberto Giannone of Argentina.

Sigel, who was fourth on the tour money list last year, has been struggling this year with just six top 10 finishes.

However, Sigel has had good success in this tournament and in Massachusetts in general.

He won the U.S. Amateur when it was played at The Country Club in Brookline in 1982, and he has finished second two of the last three BankBoston Classics.

Sigel birdied the 10th hole from a bunker and that started him to a 5-under 31 on the back nine.

"My round was scratchy starting out," Sigel said. "Making that birdie from the bunker put me in a positive frame of mind. That changed my whole day.

"It was a hard shot. I was pleased to get it in the vicinity and to make a birdie was a real bonus."

Sigel birdied Nos. 12, 13, and 14 to get to 4 under and got to 5 under when he made a six-foot birdie putt on 18.

Irwin felt fortunate to be within range after one round.

"I'm surprised the scoring wasn't lower today," Irwin said. "That's what happens, you think you can shoot low on a course, but that isn't always the case.

"I'm not unhappy with the way I played, but I felt I let several holes get away. The round was solid enough so I can still see the leader."

Irwin was 2 under after birdies on 6 and 8, but he bogeyed No. 9, a hole he felt he let get away.

"Club selection was a little difficult because some greens were firm and others held," Irwin said. "The greens are very good this year, though."

O'Connor hasn't had time to settle down since winning the Foremost Insurance Championship in Grand Rapids, Mich.

"I came here and played the pro-am on Monday, then had to fly to Ireland for the funeral of a friend," O'Connor said. "I flew back after the funeral and played in the pro-am on Thursday.

"I'm a walking zombie, right now."

Nevertheless, O'Connor managed five birdies and two bogeys.

"I'm just hoping for a good night's sleep tonight," O'Connor said.

Arnold Palmer, one of the fan favorites, was 3 under after four holes but finished with a 6-over 78.

Part of the reason may have been that Palmer's drive on No. 5 hit 12-year-old Ryan Hopkins of Norfolk in the back, leaving a welt. Palmer took a ball, autographed it and gave it to Hopkins.

AP