Jim Furyk took advantage of prime scoring conditions at Augusta National, shooting a 6-under-par 66.

Furyk ripped off four straight birdies starting at No. 14 Thursday for his best score ever in the year's first major championship. But he wasn't the only one going low on a warm, sunny, slightly breezy day.

Shingo Katayama was one stroke back after shooting 67, the first time the Japanese star has broken 70 in eight Augusta appearances. Padraig Harrington shot 69 as he tried to join Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan as the only players to win three straight majors. Greg Norman was right in the mix, too, shooting 70 in his first Masters appearance since 2002. He's been a runner-up three times.