Mahan shoots 62 for early lead at Travelers

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Cromwell, Conn. • Hunter Mahan has the early lead after shooting an opening-round 62 at the Travelers Championship, toying with a 59 with three holes left before finishing with pars.

But he missed a 14-foot birdie putt on No. 7 at the TPC River Highlands on Thursday. Mahan has a three-stroke lead in Cronwell, Conn., where he won the event in 2007 and has two second-place finishes in 11 previous starts.

Mahan says he began thinking about a possible 59 at the seventh hole, calling it "the most comfortable course on Tour."

Camilo Villegas, John Merrick and Web Simpson shot 5-under 65s.

Mahan was in contention at the U.S. Open last week before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fourth place. U.S. Open champion Justin Rose will tee off later in the day, and top amateur Chris Williams will make his professional debut.