American Kenny Perry fired a nine-under 61 to seize the first-round lead at the $6-million PGA Travelers Championship on Thursday.

Perry flirted with the magical 59 score, missing long birdie putts on the last three holes.

"I had it the back of my head," Perry said. "Today was a good day to do it. I just didn't get it done."

He did equal the course record at the TPC River Highlands, joining Kirk Triplett, Phil Mickelson, Scott Verplank and Brad Faxon.

Paul Goydos and Charles Warren shot 63 and are two shots adrift in second place.

Lucas Glover, who is fresh of his US Open championship, is tied for eighth. Glover birdied three consecutive holes beginning at No. 13 to post a five-under-par 65

"I played well. I'm very pleased," said Glover, who earned his first major title Monday at the US Open.

The world No. 7 Perry started his day with back-to-back birdies a the third and fourth holes.

His superb run also included a string of five-straight birdies. He hit his approach on 18 to 24 feet but couldn't make the long putt settling for a 61.

Greg Chalmers, Tag Ridings, Spencer Levin and Boo Weekley are tied for fourth place at six-under 64.

Ricky Barnes, one of the runners-up at the US Open, is tied for eighth with Glover.

"Today I wanted to come back and rebound, obviously, from what happened last week," said Barnes.

"But today reminded me of the first round of last week. Just really solid, hit a lot of greens, had a lot of good looks."

Defending champion Stewart Cink struggled to a one-over 71.