Taylor finds relief, takes lead at Verizon Heritage

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- With a nerve-racking and disappointing Masters debut behind him, Vaughn Taylor relaxed and played his best round of the year.

Taylor, who grew up in Augusta, Ga., shot an 8-under 63 to take the lead after the first round of the Verizon Heritage on Thursday.

A week ago, Taylor couldn't make a move around his hometown without someone he knew ready with a comment, question or request. He was edgy and lost focus.

"My phone was ringing off the hook," Taylor said. "You are asked to do a lot of things. In preparing for a tournament, it's tough to be able to do it all. ... You want to talk to everybody and you feel bad because you just can't do it."

The attention proved too much for Taylor to handle. He shot a 75-74 at Augusta National and missed the cut.

Instead of letting the disappointment drag down his slumping season, the 30-year-old pushed on to Harbour Town Golf Links and found the play he'd hoped to have at the Masters.

"I came in this week and it just feels easy," Taylor said.

Taylor stood a stroke ahead of Jim Furyk's 64 and two in front of Tom Pernice Jr., Billy Mayfair and Duffy Waldorf, tied at 65.

Taylor is a two-time PGA Tour winner who qualified for last week's major by finishing No. 36 on the 2005 money list.