UPDATE 2-Golf-Weir goes three clear after course record tying 61

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By Mark Lamport-Stokes

NORTON, Massachusetts, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Canada's Mike Weir built on a burst of six birdies in the first seven holes to surge three strokes clear after the opening round of the Deutsche Bank Championship on Friday.

The 2003 U.S. Masters champion made the most of calm, receptive conditions at the TPC Boston to deliver a putting master-class and equal the course record with a sparkling 10-under-par 61.

Left-hander Weir narrowly missed sinking a 60-foot eagle putt from the back fringe at the par-five last before knocking in a four-footer for his 10th birdie of the day.

"I wish I could bottle that," the 36-year-old told reporters after taking command of the second event in the lucrative FedExCup playoff series which wraps up the PGA Tour's regular season.

"It was one of those rare days with my putter I hadn't had in a while. Everything seemed to look easier.

"I made about a 15-footer on the first hole, another one on the second and then had about maybe eight feet on the third. I holed another 10-footer on four."

Weir, who has recorded top-seven finishes in two of his last three tour starts, totalled only 21 putts. He single-putted 15 times, and all nine holes after the turn.