CLARK IS TAKING IT THREE-SY.

TIM CLARK set his sights on breaking the par-three curse at the Masters after carding a four-under-par 68 in Thursday's opening round.

Fresh from winning the pretournament, par-three event on Wednesday, Clark birdied all four of the par-fives to end a low-scoring day at Augusta National three shots off the lead.

Since 1960, no winner of the warmup event has gone on to clinch the Masters in the same year.

Asked of he feared he too was jinxed, the South African replied: "I'm not too worried about that. Someone's got to do it some time so why not me?"

Although Clark is yet to taste victory on the PGA Tour, he is well aware of the patience required to triumph at Augusta after finishing second here in 2006.

"This is an extremely demanding tournament and I've been here on Saturday and Sunday in the final groups,'' said the 33-year-old. "It's a tough experience.

"I know what it takes to win this tournament and you certainly can't come here with that in mind starting out. You really have to take it one day at a time. I'm just trying to enjoy it.''

One of the straightest and shortest hitters on the PGA Tour, Clark took advantage of ideal scoring conditions and a shortened course to move into first-round contention.

"Going off early, we had fairly receptive greens and I just played sensibly,'' the three-times European Tour winner said.

"They didn't play the course to its full length today so that allows me to keep the ball on the greens and get it close when I've got wedges.

"My wedge game has been great and the first round gave me some confidence too.

"The course is very difficult normally and I feel like I'm always going to come here and have a hard time and struggle,'' added Clark. "I'm just taking it one shot at a time and smelling the roses, as they say.''

CAPTION(S):

TIM TO SHINE Clark started well