Players Championship at Ponte Verde Beach, Florida

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 -- Ben Crane rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt on the first hole and kept it in until he had a 7-under 65 and a one-shot lead in The Players Championship last Thursday in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida.
He also made a four birdie putts that was longer than 20 feet, he kept his ball on land throughout the wild opening round which was during the TPC Sawgrass and made atop leader board devoid of the largest stars.

Crane was doing very well, while Tiger Woods couldn’t make a putt outside 4 feet. For Phil Mickelson, he ran off three straight birdies early in his round but couldn’t keep the ball in play.

The defending champion, Sergio Garcia, opened with a whooping 71 and was already looking forward to going home to his country, Spain.

Unfortunately, Crane couldn't relate. He said it was one of those rounds that you live for when you’re a golfer and he definitely felt that today at one of his favorite courses and tournaments of all time.

With a four straight birdie chances inside 12 feet, Woods made his opening round; but was unfortunate to have missed them all. He ended up with a 71 while trying to keep alive his streak of never breaking 70 in the opening round at this elite event.