Tim Clarke was in red hot form as the South African turned in a course-equalling round of eight-under 62 to grab the opening round lead in the Tour Championship at the East Lake Golf Club.
Yet to win a PGA Tour title, Clarke made his intentions clear with a blemish-less opening round as he sunk in six birdies and then chipped in for an eagle on the 15th hole in his bogey-free round.
Clarke has won thrice on the European Tour and was satisfied to turn in his lowest PGA Tour score.
He said
I’m very pleased with that. I’ve been playing nicely pretty much the last month and I felt comfortable going into last week’s course.
Meanwhile, gunning for his seventh title of the year, Tiger Woods was lying four strokes behind with seven more holes to go when bad weather and a threat of lightning cut short the day’s proceedings.
Irish Padraig Harrington signed off in style as he birdied the last four holes to settle for a round of 63 in what is the last event of the FedExCup playoff series.
