Mahan fires 62 for early four-shot lead at Barclays

By Larry Fine

PARAMUS, New Jersey (Reuters) - American Hunter Mahan fired a nine-under-par 62 to seize a four-shot lead early in Thursday's first round of the Barclays Classic, the opening event of the U.S. PGA Tour's FedExCup playoff series.

Mahan launched his round in spectacular fashion by holing out a 100-yard second shot at the par-four first for eagle and followed with eight birdies against a lone bogey on the 7,319-yard Ridgewood Country Club course.

The 26-year-old Mahan also finished with a flourish, sinking a three-foot putt to birdie the last.

Briton Paul Casey was in second place on 66 after a lively round that featured eight birdies and three bogeys.

Tied at 67 were Australian Mathew Goggin and Americans Bo Van Pelt and Kevin Streelman, one shot better than Australian Adam Scott and Americans Rich Beem and George McNeill.

The threesome of Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Phil Mickelson and his fellow-American Kenny Perry - the top three on the FedExCup points list - finished farther back.

World number three Harrington, whose U.S. PGA triumph this month gave him victories in three of the last six major championships, shot a one-over-par 72, number two Mickelson had a one-under 70, and Perry posted 69, seven shots behind Mahan.

"It's perfect conditions," Mahan told reporters. "You've got great weather, the course is in perfect shape right now, playing in the morning helped a lot and the greens were a little bit more receptive.