At yesterday's PGA Northern Telecom Open, it was something old, something new, with a lot of birdies and fine putts, too.

The first day of the PGA's second tournament of the year, played at both Tucson National and Starr Pass, saw strong performances from both grizzled veterans and Tour newcomers alike.

The old was Larry Nelson, the Tour's second-oldest full time player at 48. Nelson, who said that 1996 would be his last year, fired a 7-under par 65 at Tucson National to claim the top spot on the leader board.

The new was former Wildcat Manny Zerman, playing in his first-ever PGA tournament as a professional. Zerman finished the day tied for third place with a score of 67.

Dillard Pruitt and Tim Herron are tied for second at 66. Former UA golfer Mike Springer ended the day in 39th place with a 2-under 70.

The birdies and fine putts came courtesy of Nelson, who birdied the 14th, 15th and 18th holes, the final one in exciting fashion.

Nelson, winner of the 1987 PGA Championship, sank a 40-foot putt on the final hole for a birdie and moved ahead of the pack to 7-under. He said the quality of the playing surfaces at Tucson National made approach shots easy for everyone.

For former UA golfer Zerman, it was a long, strange trip to the Nortel Open, his first PGA tournament. And it was a trip which almost didn't happen.

In fact, less than a week ago Zerman was without a PGA Tour card, about to hop a plane to Malaysia to compete on the Asian professional golf tour for a second year. Zerman didn't make the PGA cut last year and played in Asia and Canada instead.

And last Monday, it looked as if Zerman was destined to spend another season in the Far East. He finished 23rd on last year's Asian money list - good for about $30,000.

He had a flight booked out of San Diego on Monday night and was packing when he got a call from his sponsor informing him to show up in Tucson for the Nortel Open instead.

So, in a matter of minutes, Asia was out and the PGA Tour was in. But Zerman said he took it all in stride and just played his game.

"I was just taking this as any other tournament," he said. "I'm just trying to come out here and shoot four good rounds of golf."