PALM HARBOR, Fla., March 19 (UPI) -- Jim Furyk's 6-under-par 65 Thursday gave him a one-stroke lead after 18 holes at the PGA Transitions Championship in Palm Harbor, Fla.
The native of West Chester, Pa., playing in his 16th season on the PGA Tour, ended his first round with a par-saving putt at the18th hole, which left him with the one-shot lead over Stephen Ames (66).
Kenny Perry, Mathew Goggin and Jonathan Byrd are tied for third at 4-under 67.
"I'm obviously very happy with playing such a good round and getting off to a good start, something I can try it build on," Furyk said. "Today, I think the key really was that I putted very well."
"The rough is very much up, and you miss too many fairways out here, it's going to be tough to make a lot of birdies, or any birdies, period," Ames said.
Defending champion Sean O'Hair shot 1-over 72 with two bogeys and a single birdie and is tied for 75th place.