Day off the pace, Stenson blitzes the field

Jason Day

FedEx Cup hopeful Henrik Stenson boasts a two-stroke lead after carding a seven-under-par 63 in the first round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta on Thursday.

Stenson is fourth behind leader Jason Day in the lucrative FedEx Cup standings but the Swede is one of five players in control of their own destiny.

And the rest of the field watched on in awe as Stenson - bidding to win his second FedEx Cup in three years - navigated the East Lake Golf Course with ease, holing six birdies and an eagle, while he only dropped one shot.

The world number six, who is yet to win on tour this season, hit the ground running with three successive birdies to start his round.

Stenson added another birdie at the sixth and eagled the par-five ninth as he headed to the turn in 29 and on track to break 60, however the four-time PGA Tour champion ended the day with five pars and a bogey.

Paul Casey is two shots behind and Stenson's closest pursuer following his opening-round 65, while Rory McIlroy and Zach Johnson are a shot further back.

None of the other top-five players, however, were able to keep up with Stenson.

World number one and FedEx Cup leader Day holed five birdies but had a triple-bogey and bogey as he carded a one-under-par 69.

Rickie Fowler, who is third in the standings, produced an identical round.

Dual major winner Jordan Spieth - second in the play-off rankings - was only a stroke better off after posting a 68 alongside Kevin Na, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker, Steven Bowditch and J.B. Holmes.

As for fifth-placed Bubba Watson, he could only manage an even-par 70.

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