Gary Woodland follows his shot from the fairway up to the 14th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament in Pebble Beach, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011.

Pebble Beach, Calif. ? D.A. Points knew it was going to be a great week at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am when he found out Bill Murray was his amateur partner.

It got even better Thursday.

Points found Murray’s antics to be more amusing than annoying, and it showed in his play. With eight birdies on the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula, he opened with a 7-under 63 and shared the lead with Steve Marino.

Some might think he shot a 63 despite having Murray in his ear all day. Points says he shot 63 because of him.

“I know people talk about his antics, or he’s a showman while he’s out there, making lots of comments and talking while people are getting ready to hit shots,” Points said. “To be honest, it really loosens me up and makes me between shots not be grinding so hard on what I’m doing. It helps me take a little bit of a breather between shots and joke around with him.”

There was plenty to enjoy for most everyone on a glorious day on the peninsula, with only a mild breeze to accompany views that were as spectacular as ever. Beyond the weather, the conditions on three courses were as good as they have ever been. The fairways were particularly firm on the Shore Course, and the greens were fast everywhere.

The best shot of the day belonged to Alex Cejka, who was one shot behind after a 64 on the Shore Course. He started his day by holing out a 3-wood from the fairway on the par-5 10th. The PGA Tour checked its records as far back as 1982 and could not find another player who had started a round with an albatross.

The group at 5 under included former Kansas University golfer Gary Woodland, whose 67 was the best score at Pebble Beach.