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World No1 Rory McIlroy remains in contention for a £6million pay day following the opening round of the Tour Championship at East Lake, Atlanta.
McIlroy is among 29 players battling out to win the tournament but, more importantly, the huge bonus on offer for the player that tops the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.
Chris Kirk is ranked first with 4,314 points in the standings with McIlroy 579 points adrift, and Kirk had the ideal start to a potential jackpot, taking the lead along with Billy Horschel, second in the standings, at four-under par.
McIlroy is just three shots adrift and knows that victory would be enough for him to bag the overall season title and the money.
Following a mixed round containing four birdies and three bogeys, McIlroy said: “Regardless of whatever is at stake in terms of prize money, I would just like to win the FedEx Cup.
“My timing was miles off. I’m obviously not firing on all cylinders but I think I found something right at the end that will be helpful over the next three days.”
McIlroy began the tournament facing a backlash after saying Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both missing, were nearing the end of his careers.
McIlroy said: “I wasn’t like I was writing them off. I don’t think I said anything out of order. I’ve said far worse to Tiger’s face!”
