Stricker, Furyk share PGA lead

Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk shot 8-under 63s Friday to highlight a burst of low scoring and share the lead after one round of the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Tiger Woods, meanwhile, found himself seven shots off the pace.

In the second of the PGA Tour’s four playoff tournaments, Stricker put himself in excellent position to take the lead in the race for the FedEx Cup.

Stricker came into the tournament trailing only Woods in the points race and a victory this week would vault Stricker into first place.

Furyk is trying for his first victory since 2007. Never in his career has he gone two straight seasons without a win.

The co-leaders took advantage of perfect conditions and were two shots in front of Retief Goosen, Angel Cabrera, Justin Leonard, Scott Verplank and Matt Kuchar.

Woods, who finished tied for second behind Heath Slocum at last week’s playoff opener, hit a ball out of bounds at the fifth hole and struggled to a 70. That left him tied for 47th place.

I didn’t really do much of anything positively today, he said. I didn’t feel good over any shot today and didn’t drive it very good. I hit my irons worse and didn’t make any putts. Other than that, it was a good day.