PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — His age suggests that Sergio Garcia is about to enter his prime and has every reason to look ahead. He already has six PGA Tour victories, 10 more around the world, has made four Ryder Cup teams and contended in a half-dozen majors.

Comfort comes from looking back.

The 28-year-old Spaniard showed up at The Players Championship with a putter he used in 2000, when he was a fresh-faced challenger to Tiger Woods and took down the world's No. 1 player in a "Battle at Bighorn" exhibition in the desert.

"Just trying to get those good sensations from the past, when I was comfortable with my putting," Garcia said.

The short stick is what's making him feel so old. Garcia has not won in nearly three years, an 0-for-53 drought on the PGA Tour that is the longest of his career, and he recently sought putting guru Stan Utley for help with his stroke.

He can only hope it's working.

By taking advantage of the par 5s, producing more superb play with his ball-striking and getting a bonus birdie with a 50-foot putt on the 14th hole Thursday, Garcia raced out to a 6-under 66 and a two-shot lead over Kenny Perry and Paul Goydos.