Australia's Goggin seizes share of Byron Nelson PGA lead

Australia's Mathew Goggin shot a three-under-par 67 and grab a share of the opening-round lead with Ryan Moore and Eric Axley at the USPGA Byron Nelson Championship on Thursday.

Australian world number ten 10 Adam Scott, the highest-ranked player in the field, and Swede Jesper Parnevik were among a group of eight players one shot off the lead.

Masters champion Trevor Immelman, of South Africa, struggled to a 78 under the extremely windy conditions Thursday.

"I prefer it to be windy than dead still and a putting competition, because statistically putting is not the strongest part of my game," Goggin said.

The 33-year-old Aussie ranked second on the PGA Tour for total driving in 2007, which takes into account both distance and accuracy, and 11th in greens in regulation.

At even-par with five holes left, he reeled off three birdies in a row to finish in style on a course that has been extensively revamped since last year.

Moore, who had seven birdies and four bogeys, expressed satisfaction with every facet of his game.

"This is definitely one of my better rounds of the year, for sure, in those conditions," said Moore.

Parnevik snapped out of a year-long slump after an unlikely swing tip from a buddy. Never mind that his friend cannot break 90, because Parnevik was desperate enough to try anything.

"He's a complete hack monster but he called me last night and said he played the round of his life, and I asked him what he did and he said he found a secret," Parnevik said. "It was really a stupid thing, the way he had his left big toe at impact. It should be pointed a little bit upwards. It worked very well today. We'll see Sunday if it lasts more than one day."