HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. ? Cameron Beckman handled the windy conditions at the MCI Heritage on Thursday, shooting a 4-under-par 67 for the highest leading score in opening round at the Harbour Town Golf Links since 1992.

Beckman made a 16-foot birdie putt on his last hole, the ninth, for a surprisingly high number at the 6,973-yard, par-71 seaside layout that often yields spectacular rounds.

Two years ago, Davis Love III, the defending champion and a five-time winner of the event, opened with a 62. The problem Thursday was winds that reached 10 mph.

“You feel that breeze out there?” said Jonathan Byrd, who was tied with Heath Slocum, British Open champ Ben Curtis, Rod Pampling and Jay Haas at 68.