Choi takes two shot lead at Hilton Head

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., April 15 (UPI) -- K.J. Choi, following up his strong showing at the Masters, seized a two-shot lead Thursday on the opening day of the Verizon Heritage.

Choi played all 72 holes at the Augusta National Golf Club in the company of Tiger Woods last week and matched the world's No. 1 player stroke for stroke while finishing in a tie for fourth.

He shot a 7-under 64 at the Harbour Town Golf Links Thursday with eight birdies and a bogey. Mike Weir and Greg Owen shared second place at 66.

"I'm very happy to have shot a great round today," Choi said. "If you miss any fairways you're going to get into trouble. But I focused especially on my tee shots today.

"For the four rounds I played with Tiger last week I actually learned a lot. Two things mainly -- being patient and staying focused. I was able to do that last week. I think that experience is only going to help me."

Davis Love III, who has won this event five times, shot a 67 and was tied for fourth with, among others, Sergio Garcia, Jim Furyk, Tim Clark and former PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel.

John Daly, given a sponsor's exemption in his bid to regain his playing status on the PGA Tour, shot a 72 and likely needs to do at least one stroke better Friday to survive the cut.