Leonard relishes relaxed atmosphere

Former champion Justin Leonard made the most of ideal conditions and a relaxed frame of mind to charge into an early one-shot lead at the Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Four days after battling gusting winds to tie for 20th at the US Masters, the 35-year-old American set the pace with a sparkling five-under-par 66 on the Harbour Town Golf Links.

Leonard struck a five-iron to two feet at the last to set up his sixth birdie of the day and finish one ahead of compatriots Anthony Kim, Stewart Cink, John Rollins and Tim Herron, plus Colombia's Camilo Villegas.

Americans Ken Duke, Briny Baird and DJ Trahan, who won his second PGA Tour title at the Bob Hope Classic in January, were a further stroke adrift after opening with 68s.

"It was a nice day, and wonderful weather-wise," Leonard told reporters after taking early control with birdies on two of the last three holes.

"It was great to play without a whole lot of wind after last week when you (had to) play so defensively. You come here and play a little more aggressively."

Asked to compare this week's PGA Tour event with the opening major of the year at Augusta National, Leonard replied: "Last week was like final exams and this week is like spring break.

"You come here and it's such a relaxed atmosphere. We go on bike rides and do a lot of fun stuff with the kids. Golf is almost secondary here.

"For me, it's pretty easy to get in the mindset of coming here and kind of leaving some of the baggage from last week behind and get over here, relax and play a great golf course."