Fresh off his victory at the BMW Championship last week, Norway’s Viktor Hovland continued his hot streak. In the first round of the Tour Championship held in Atlanta, he found himself sharing the limelight at the summit of the leaderboard with American Collin Morikawa.
Both golfing talents shot impressive six-under 64s during Friday’s action at this culminating event of the season, settling at a remarkable 16-under par.
In a surprising turn, Keegan Bradley, initially neck-and-neck with the leaders after the first round, slid down to a 13-under, trailing by three strokes.
Hovland, visibly in high spirits, said, “It’s pretty much déjà vu from yesterday, isn’t it? We’ve battled all year to stand where we are right now. The game plan is simple: stay the course, and let’s just wait and see how the chips fall. Trust is key when you’re rolling.”
Morikawa also maintained his laser focus, rounding off Friday without a single bogey, following his nine-under performance the day before. “I’ve been pretty darn clean out there,” he noted. “There’s something electric about contending in the final groups and hearing the roar of the crowd. So buckle up, folks, this weekend is gonna be a birdie bonanza, and my foot’s nowhere near the brake pedal.”
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, a four-time FedEx Cup winner and currently ranked second globally, struggled through back issues but still managed a respectable three-under 67. This places him in seventh, albeit trailing by a not-so-insignificant six strokes.
The Tour Championship adopts a unique stroke-based bonus system, offering players varying initial scores based on their season performance.
Stay tuned for live text updates from the Sport News Center website starting 18:30 BST for Sunday’s much-anticipated final round. And remember, in golf as in life, it ain’t over till it’s over—or in this case, till the last putt drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tour Championship
What is the main focus of the article?
The article primarily focuses on the Tour Championship in Atlanta, where golfers Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa are tied for the lead at 16-under par after the first round. It also mentions key players like Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy and their positions.
Who are the current leaders at the Tour Championship?
Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa are the current leaders at the Tour Championship. Both have scored six-under 64s and are at 16-under par.
What happened to Keegan Bradley?
Keegan Bradley, who was sharing the lead after the first round, has fallen back to a 13-under, making him three shots off the lead.
How is Rory McIlroy performing?
Rory McIlroy, the world’s number two and a defending champion, is struggling with a back injury. Despite this, he managed to score a three-under 67 and is currently in seventh place, six strokes behind the leaders.
What unique scoring system does the Tour Championship use?
The Tour Championship employs a stroke-based bonus system. This system provides players with varying initial scores at the start of the opening round based on their overall performance during the season.
When and where can I catch the final round of the Tour Championship?
You can follow the final round of the Tour Championship on the Sport News Center website with live text updates starting from 18:30 BST on Sunday.
What are the golfers saying about their performance?
Viktor Hovland expressed his enthusiasm, saying he’s done much the same as the previous day and aims to continue in the same vein. Collin Morikawa spoke about his love for being in a contending position and promised a “birdie bonanza” over the weekend.
What are the stakes for Rory McIlroy?
Rory McIlroy is aiming for his fourth FedEx Cup win. Despite a nagging back injury, he’s still in the hunt, albeit at a disadvantage, sitting six strokes behind the leaders.
