Television commentator Gary McCord, playing his first tournament of the year, fired a 4-under-par 67 today to share the first-round lead at the Toshiba Senior Classic.

Tom Jenkins, John Jacobs and Bruce Summerhays were tied with McCord entering Saturday's second round of the 54-hole tournament at the Newport Beach Country Club.

"I'm playing the senior tour to get my heart started again, get the adrenaline flowing," said McCord, who became eligible when he turned 50 last May. "...I haven't played in a while, so I'm not sure where the ball is going to go."

McCord, who had four birdies and no bogeys, played in six tournaments last year and earned $112,173. His best finish was a tie for sixth in October at the Raley's Gold Rush Classic in El Dorado Hills, Calif.

"I haven't played much because of TV in the last four weeks," said McCord, who works for CBS. "Last week I went home and took two days by myself to get back into it. I hit some balls for about three hours and played practice rounds here on Monday and Tuesday."

Jacobs said he decided before the tournament to change his approach on the 6,584-yard, par-71 Newport Beach Country Club course.

"I always tried to guide the ball on this course, but I decided to try and pound the ball down the course and see what happens," he said. "I played this course the first time when I was 12 years old, and I've always played kind of scared out here. But not this week."

Summerhays birdied four of his last six holes after making 12 straight pars.

"I showed some good patience on the first 12 holes," he said. "I'm very comfortable even though these poana greens are difficult. I'm so used to them that a don't throw a tizzy of a putt goes awry."

Defending champion Hale Irwin, who set a Senior Tour earnings record last year, was one shot off the pace along with seven others.

"Just a very solid round," said Irwin, who had no bogeys and three birdies. "I hit every green in regulation. I hit my irons very well, but didn't putt particularly well."

The two-time defending player of the year on the Senior Tour, Irwin is playing in his fifth tournament this winter.

"It wasn't a worldbeater start, but I'm satisfied," he said. "I didn't play last week, and I'm a bit rusty. It kind of feels like I am just starting the year."

Gil Morgan, second behind Irwin on the senior earnings list each of the last two years, also carded a 68, as did Tom Wargo, Dana Quigley, Allen Doyle, Jim Albus, Howard Twitty and Bob Duval.

Billy Casper withdrew from the tournament to be with his ailing wife, Shirley, who was hospitalized.

The winner of the $1.2 million tournament earns $180,000.