Irwins lead Father-Son Challenge

Hale and Steve Irwin combined for a 13-under 59 on to take a one-stroke lead over Jack and Gary Nicklaus and Raymond and Robert Floyd after the first round of the Father-Son Challenge in Naples, Florida.

Hale and Steve Irwin combined for a 13-under 59 on to take a one-stroke lead over Jack and Gary Nicklaus and Raymond and Robert Floyd after the first round of the Father-Son Challenge in Naples, Florida.

"We had a very good day," Hale Irwin said. "We didn't play as well as we'd like, but we teamed very well. When I would miss a shot, Steve was there to pick me up and vice versa.

"The key really was Steve's putting. There's no doubt that his putting kept us going."

Jack Nicklaus and son Jack II co-designed the TwinEagles' Talon Course. Gary Nicklaus, who qualified for his PGA Tour card last month, is replacing Jack II, who is recovering from a broken heel.

Tom Kite and 15-year-old son David were in a four-way tie for fourth at 10-under with Jerry and Wesly Pate, Craig and Kevin Stadler, and Dave and Ron Stockton. Defending champions Bob and David Charles opened with a 64.

David Kite provided the highlight for his team, holing out for an eagle from 137 yards on No. 14.

"We both played really well," said Tom Kite, who turns 50 on Thursday and will begin play on the Senior PGA Tour next year. "We hit it close to the pin and David holed out a few. He was a little sparkplug for us."

Scores after the first round of the $860,000 Father-Son Challenge on the par-72, 7,214-yard (6,565-meter) Twin Eagles Golf and Country Club course (format was a scramble):

Steve and Hale Irwin 59 Gary and Jack Nicaklaus 60 Robert and Raymond Floyd 60 Wesley and Jerry Pate 62 David and Tom Kite 62 Kevin and Craig Stadler 62 Ron and Dave Stockton 62 John and Al Geiberger 63 Rick and Lee Trevino 63 Myatt and Hubert Green 63 David and Bob Charles 64 Andrew and David Graham 65 Josh and Larry Nelson 65 Kyle and Charlie Coody 67 Bobby and Billy Casper 67 Eric and Tom Weiskopf 69