Vaughn Taylor bounced back after missing the cut at The Masters last week to shoot an eight-under-par 63 and take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Verizon Heritage in South Carolina.

Taylor, who started on the 10th, completed his front nine with four consecutive birdies, bogeyed the first but then got the shot back with a birdie at the second.

He added four more birdies coming in to lead from Jim Furyk at the $3million
event.

"Last week was very nerve wracking, it was very tough," Taylor said. "I came in this week and it just felt easy, this week I feel very relaxed.

"The greens are pretty soft, no wind and if you're hitting it straight you have a lot of short irons and wedges. You can definitely score if you're hitting the ball well."

Furyk fired a bogey-free 64 with seven birdies while Tom Pernice Jr, Billy Mayfair and Duffy Waldorf finished the day tied for third after 65s at the Harbor Town Golf Links.

"I'm happy with putting up a good number," Furyk said. "I went out and putted really well today."

Chris Riley, Brian Gay and Australians Geoff Ogilvy and Aaron Baddeley are tied for sixth at five-under on 66.

Sweden's Mathias Gronberg was the highest-placed European after he shot a four-under-par 67.

Londoner Brian Davis and 2004 Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter both finished two under par after rounds of 69.

Darren Clarke, who threw away a chance to win this event on the 72nd hole last year, had a terrible day to close five over.

Graeme McDowell carded a one-under-par round of 70 while compatriot Paul McGinley went around in level par.

Ernie Els is in a group of 26 players tied for 54th at even-par that includes defending champion Peter Lonard.