Sergio Garcia nails fine 66

Sergio Garcia opened the Byron Nelson Championship in Texas with a four-under 66 without a practice round after an infected finger caused him to withdraw from an Open qualifier this week.

The round put Garcia in a four-way tie for the lead with earlier finishers, including playing partner Dustin Johnson.

Garcia withdrew from the Open qualifier on Monday with the infected fingernail on his left hand that made it difficult for him to grip the club. He took about 20 swings on the range on Wednesday at TPC Four Seasons before deciding not to play in the Byron Nelson pro-am. Then, on his first hole yesterday, the 418-yard par-4, he made an eagle by holing a sand wedge from 116 yards. He won the Nelson in 2004.

Meanwhile. Australian Jason Day looked to launch his title defence with his confidence level several notches higher than when he claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory at the tournament last year.

Although Day has not triumphed since, he has contended strongly in the last two majors and this season has posted five top-ten finishes in 11 starts on the competitive US circuit.

"I've contended in a couple of majors now and I've grown on the course and off the course, which has been nice. It's been a really exciting last 12 months," said Day, 23. "My confidence coming into this event is obviously high. I don't want to sound too cocky but I feel good about my game and where I am."