• PGA Tour

McIlroy three behind at Tour Championship

ESPN staff
September 11, 2014
Rory McIlroy found himself in some tight spots during the first round of the Tour Championship © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy struggled to an opening round of one-under 69 at the Tour Championship as Chris Kirk and Billy Horschel took a big step Thursday toward the biggest pay-off in golf.

Kirk and Horschel have already won FedEx Cup playoff events to earn the top two seeds going into the Tour Championship. Playing together in the last group at East Lake, they both made late birdies and were tied for the lead at 4-under 66.

If either of them were to win the Tour Championship, they would capture the FedEx Cup and the $10 million bonus.

It was a different story for McIlroy, however, who admitted he is not at the top of his game.

"It was a grind out there, it feels like every day over the last few weeks has been a grind just trying to get up there and play my best golf," McIlroy said to Sky Sports. "It seems like every step forward I take I'm knocked back one straight away.

"Regardless of prize money and everything I just want to win the FedEx Cup. Even though this wasn't the best day I still shot under par and I'm still in the golf tournament."

Masters champion Bubba Watson is not out of the mix just yet, either. He made bogey from the bunker on the last hole for a 67 and is one shot behind, along with Jim Furyk, Patrick Reed and Jason Day.

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