Two ex-UCLA golfers, Steve Pate and Scott McCarron, share lead at Toshiba Classic

Before the Toshiba Classic, Steve Pate had not been too thrilled with his season on the Champions Tour, the 50-and-over circuit.

“I’m really anxious for this year to be over,� says the former UCLA Bruin, mainly because of a less-than-ideal rehab from shoulder surgery last November.

Still, Pate found a groove in the first round at Newport Beach Country Club, as he grabbed a share of the lead with a fellow former Bruin, Scott McCarron. They both shot eight-under-par 63 for the lead with two rounds remaining.

Pate finished tied for second in last year’s Toshiba Classic, one stroke behind champion Fred Couples. His 63 round Friday featured an eagle on the 549-yard, par-five No. 3 hole on his back nine. He also collected six birdies.

There are three par-five holes at Newport Beach. Pate took advantage of each with birdies on Nos. 15 and 18.

Pate said his shoulder did not feel healthy until June, and even then he felt he was left to keep on playing despite the pain.

“I don’t have a choice,� Pate said of his mentality during the summer. “I don’t have enough career money to stand. So I have to play.�

McCarron, who finished with eight birdies, was happy to see his fellow Bruin was contending, affectionately referring to him as, “Pater.�

McCarron says he’s playing with confidence this season and it showed at Newport Beach.

At one point during the first round of the 21st annual event, there featured four Bruins in the top 10 on the leaderboard, as Tom Pernice Jr. and Duffy Waldorf were also contending.

A reporter asked whether any special points were given for being the top Bruin at the tournament.

“As long as we finish ahead of all the Trojans, it’s OK,� Pate said.

Pate and McCarron hold a one-stroke lead over Rod Spittle and Billy Andrade.

Seven others are at six under, including Couples and Paul Goydos.

Couples also won the Toshiba in 2010.

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Virgen is a Times correspondent.