September 20 2012
9:58 PM
FedExCup update after first round
ATLANTA – Thursday’s first round of the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, the final event in the FedExCup Playoffs that will determine this year’s FedExCup champion, is in the books. Here’s a look at the key developments and notes concerning the FedExCup:
KEY LINKS: Latest points projections | Shots back | Official standings | Scenarios to win FedExCup
NO. 1 PROJECTION: Tiger Woods, who shares the first-round lead with Justin Rose, would win the FedExCup should he go on to win the TOUR Championship. Rose projects to third if he wins the tournament.
HOW TOP FIVE FARED: Any of the top five players in points after the reset can win the FedExCup by winning the TOUR Championship. Here’s a look at their first rounds.
| Player | Score | Thru 18 | Pos. | Quick review |
| 1. Rory McIlroy | 69 | 1 under | T-12 | In his first look at East Lake,
he opened with a bogey after missing the green with his
approach shot but found a way to produce his 9th straight
round in 60s
Strokes back: Needs to make up 4 strokes to win Cup |
| 2. Tiger Woods | 66 | 4 under | T-1 | Six birdies in his round and had
good looks at several others. “Played well
today,” Woods said. “Very consistent
round.”
Strokes back: Projected to win Cup |
| 3. Nick Watney | 75 | 5 over | 30th | Opened with a bogey and suffered
a triple at the par-4 fifth when an errant tee shot resulted
in a penalty stroke
Strokes back: Needs to make up 10 strokes to win Cup |
| 4. Phil Mickelson | 69 | 1 under | T-12 | Hit 3 of 14 fairways but 16 of
18 greens. Ho-hum, just another typical Phil round. Amazing
score considering his problems off the tee
Strokes back: Needs to make up 4 strokes to win Cup |
| 5. Brandt Snedeker | 68 | 2 under | T-7 | Was 3 over through his first six
holes after a double at the 6th but fought back, including
three birdies in his last four holes
Strokes back: Needs to make up 3 strokes to win Cup |
BIGGEST MOVERS: Justin Rose, who shot a 66 to share the first-round lead with Tiger Woods, would move up 21 spots (from 24th to 3rd) in FedExCup points. Scott Piercy, the last man in the field, opened with a 67 for a share of third place and would move up 16 spots (from 30th to 14th).
ODDS AND ENDS: For Rose to win the FedExCup, he needs the right scenarios for the first six players currently in FedExCup points to fall correctly. Four of those six scenarios are in place after the first round. The two that aren’t are Tiger Woods (needs to finish in a three-way tie for 5th or worse) and Rory McIlroy (needs to finish 17th or worse). Of course, Rose also must go on to win the TOUR Championship …
In his first start in the TOUR Championship, Lee Westwood had what would be the epitome of a rollercoaster round: 6 birdies, 8 bogeys and 4 pars en route to a 2-over 72 …
Since the FedEx Cup began in 2007, no first-round leader at the TOUR Championship has held on to win.
