Furyk takes Masters lead

Georgia - Jim Furyk took advantage of prime scoring conditions at Augusta National, shooting a 6-under-par 66 to grab the Masters lead.

Furyk ripped off four straight birdies starting at No. 14 on Thursday for his best score ever in the year's first major championship. But he wasn't the only one going low on a warm, sunny, slightly breezy day.

Earlier on, Japan's Shingo Katayama took the lead in the opening round, shooting a 5-under-par 67 on a day for going low at Augusta National.

Katayama, known for his flamboyant clothing and funky cowboy hats, closed with a birdie at the tough 18th hole on Thursday to pull one stroke ahead of South Africa's Tim Clark for the clubhouse lead.

Kevin Sutherland and Ross Fisher of England posted 69s on a perfect day for scoring: Warm and sunny with a slight breeze. Chad Campbell took advantage, starting with birdies on the first five holes.

Four-time winner Tiger Woods made par on the first three holes.