TOUR Championship: Morikawa, Hovland & Keegan share Day One lead

ATLANTA -- Collin Morikawa faced a tough road at the TOUR Championship, starting the tournament nine shots behind but knowing he had 72 holes -- and an example from Rory McIlroy last year -- to make up ground in the FedExCup finale.

He managed to do that in one day, with a little help from the top.

Morikawa finally put together his most complete round of the year at a good time Thursday, closing with three straight birdies for a 9-under 61 that gave him a share of the lead with Ryder Cup hopeful Keegan Bradley (63) and BMW Championship winner Viktor Hovland (68).  Read more

From The Fresno Bee, by Steve Hummer:

ATLANTA — Behold the wonder of the 61 shooter.  He does not feel the same heat that withers mortals.

Coming off his first round at the Tour Championship Thursday, having just spent four hours touring a mid-90-degree swelter, Collin Morikawa looked as fresh as a bridal bouquet.

“I wish I could go play another 18,” he chirped.  Read more

From Deadspin, by Field Level Media:

Collin Morikawa fired a career-best, 9-under-par 61 to forge a tie for the lead with Viktor Hovland and Keegan Bradley in the first round of the Tour Championship on Thursday in Atlanta.

The three-way lead was made possible by a late triple bogey from Scottie Scheffler, who had started the week in first place at 10 under through the season finale's staggered start based on FedEx Cup points.  Read more

From SB Nation, by Savannah Leigh Richardson:

ATLANTA — Viktor Hovland started the day two shots back of Scottie Scheffler, but by the end of the round Thursday, the tables had turned.

The par-3, 15th is one of the most pivotal holes at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA. It’s a downhill tee shot onto a peninsula green that is anxiety-inducing.

“I think everyone gets a little anxiety when they step on 15 tee box. But that was the shot of the day for me, so I handled that pretty well,” Hovland said after his round.  Read more