Sergio Garcia made the most of his opportunity as he surged into the lead after the first round of The Barclays at Liberty National.

The Spaniard secured his place in the 120-man field with a fourth-place finish at last week’s Wyndham Championship — and he carried that form into today’s round, shooting seven birdies and bogeying only the final hole as he settled for a six-under round of 65.

That was matched by American duo Paul Goydos and Steve Marino, with four players one shot back on five under.

“Overall, it was a good, solid day,” said Garcia. “It’s the kind of course that, if you play well, you can shoot a score — with the greens being a little soft like they are.

“But at the same time, if you’re a little bit off, you can struggle a little bit. I managed to hit the ball well today, drove the ball nicely, hit a lot of good iron shots and made a couple of birdies here and there.”

Webb Simpson, Frederik Jacobson, Heath Slocum and Charley Hoffman all recorded 66s — while Padraig Harrington continued his good run of form with a four-under, bogey-free 67.

England’s Ian Poulter also had to settle for a 67 after bogeying the 18th, with David Toms on the same mark.

Harrington said: “I’m thrilled with it. I know that it’s not leading the tournament or whatever — but before you head out on this golf course, you don’t know what you’re going to shoot.

“It really is a testing, intimidating golf course — and to break 70... if I can continue that this week, I’ll be a very happy man.”

Tiger Woods struggled off the tee and was left frustrated after shooting only a one-under 70.

The world number one managed only two birdies but believes he is still well in contention.

“As of right now, only six under is leading — so I’m sure it will be a little bit tougher, with the wind and the weather coming in. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Phil Mickelson also shot a 70 — while English trio Brian Davis, Luke Donald and Justin Rose are tied for 73rd after two-over rounds of 73.