ENDICOTT, N.Y. (AP) -- Birthdays don't seem to phase Joey Sindelar, even the big ones. He was so excited about turning 50 he was gushing about it long before the fact.
The prospect of playing the Champions Tour can have that effect on newcomers to pro golf's senior circuit.
"It was probably less stressful because in our world that means you get to be a rookie again," said Sindelar, who celebrated his 50th on March 30. "So there was all kinds of positive impact to go along with a potentially not-so-positive milestone. I probably looked forward to it more than most people."
Sindelar also is looking forward with great anticipation to Friday, when the Dick's Sporting Goods Open begins at En-Joie Golf Club. Sindelar, who won the B.C. Open in 1985 and 1987 on the course before the tournament was eliminated from the PGA TOUR, tees off in mid-morning in a threesome with Andy Bean and defending champion R.W. Eaks.
"You're going to look at two guys who can really play," Sindelar said. "I think the folks will be surprised at the level of play. R.W. shot 17 under last year. That's pretty amazing."
Eaks beat Bruce Vaughan by three shots for his first Champions Tour triumph by making three eagles and 15 birdies, shooting 8 under on both the par 5s and par 4s.
"This Tour is amazing for those of us who are eligible," said Sindelar, who has won just over $380,000 in his inaugural season. "As a pro golfer, unless you've got some kind of hangup or desire to be on the biggest stage in the world -- the regular PGA TOUR -- this has to be the best job in the world. The guys put it in the hole like you cannot believe."
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****'s Sporting Goods Open July 04 - 06
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