Spaniard Sergio Garcia took an early lead at the 2008 Players Championship yesterday, taking advantage of ideal conditions on the TPC Sawgrass links to fire a round of 66, including seven birdies.

Garcia’s effort put him two strokes ahead of the two Americans tied for second place, as Kenny Perry and Paul Goydos stayed in the hunt in the PGA’s richest tournament.

Five players are tied for 3rd place, with Steve Elkington, Niclas Fasth, Heath Slocum, Todd Hamilton and Ian Poulter all carding rounds of 69. Defending champion Phil Mickelson finished the day in fourth place, carding a round of 70.

Garcia put his performance on the first day of the 2008 Players Championship down to improvements in his short game. The Spaniard  recently hired former PGA pro Stan Utley to help him improve this aspect of his game.

My main idea was to get back to the way I used to putt 10 or 12 years ago, when I was a good putter,” Garcia told the associated press. “We try not to get too technical. I’m very excited about how my game is coming along.”

Garcia will be paying close attention to Phil Mickelson’s progress at the 2008 Players Championship. The world number two beat Garcia at the 2007 Players Championship by stealing the lead on the final day of the tournament.