Garcia grabs first-round Players Championship lead

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

PONTE VEDRA, Florida (AFP) — Spain's Sergio Garcia fired a first-round 66 here to seize the lead in the prestigious Players Championship.

Garcia took advantage of ideal morning conditions at the Sawgrass TPC - a course he says reminds him of Valderrama in his homeland - notching seven birdies in his six-under effort.

That was good enough for a two-stroke advantage over Americans Kenny Perry and Paul Goydos in the nine million-dollar tournament.

"I played very smart, hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and I made some good putts," said Garcia, who was runner-up to Phil Mickelson here last year. "I've been close two or three times, so I'm looking forward to giving myself plenty more chances."

Putting woes have frustrated Garcia for the past few...