AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 7 (Reuters) Vijay Singh rattled up four birdies in five holes to take a one-shot lead in the US Masters while defending champion Tiger Woods ground out a solid 72 here.
Champion in 2000, Singh picked up shots at the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes for an opening five-under 67 in difficult conditions at a sun-baked Augusta National yesterday.
That left the Fijian one ahead of American Rocco Mediate, who birdied the same stretch of holes in a blemish-free display.
''I played pretty decent today and didn't make too many mistakes,'' world number two Singh told reporters. ''I had a lot of chances early on and I putted very well.
''That was probably one of the better rounds I've played here.'' Another American, Arron Oberholser, began with a 69 to finish a stroke better than 2004 champion Phil Mickelson, who surged into contention with birdies on two of the last four holes.
Level with left-hander Mickelson were Australia's Geoff Ogilvy, world number three Retief Goosen and fellow South African Tim Clark.
Only three players broke 70 on the fast-running layout but 12 eagles were recorded, falling just one short of the record number achieved in the opening round in 1991.
Mediate, a five-times PGA Tour winner, was delighted to be back at a challenging venue where he feels comfortable.
''It was fun, I had a blast today,'' he said. ''I putted better today than I may ever have putted here.
FAST GREENS ''The greens were very fast but they're excellent, as always. The years that I've played here have helped me. If I missed it today, it was where I could still play a second shot to the green.
''It's firm out there and the ball is running. I think the golf course is harder for the longer hitter right now because there's so much trouble out there.'' MORE REUTERS DH KP1438
Champion in 2000, Singh picked up shots at the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes for an opening five-under 67 in difficult conditions at a sun-baked Augusta National yesterday.
That left the Fijian one ahead of American Rocco Mediate, who birdied the same stretch of holes in a blemish-free display.
''I played pretty decent today and didn't make too many mistakes,'' world number two Singh told reporters. ''I had a lot of chances early on and I putted very well.
''That was probably one of the better rounds I've played here.'' Another American, Arron Oberholser, began with a 69 to finish a stroke better than 2004 champion Phil Mickelson, who surged into contention with birdies on two of the last four holes.
Level with left-hander Mickelson were Australia's Geoff Ogilvy, world number three Retief Goosen and fellow South African Tim Clark.
Only three players broke 70 on the fast-running layout but 12 eagles were recorded, falling just one short of the record number achieved in the opening round in 1991.
Mediate, a five-times PGA Tour winner, was delighted to be back at a challenging venue where he feels comfortable.
''It was fun, I had a blast today,'' he said. ''I putted better today than I may ever have putted here.
FAST GREENS ''The greens were very fast but they're excellent, as always. The years that I've played here have helped me. If I missed it today, it was where I could still play a second shot to the green.
''It's firm out there and the ball is running. I think the golf course is harder for the longer hitter right now because there's so much trouble out there.'' MORE REUTERS DH KP1438
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