Lee takes early Tour Championship lead as McIlroy chases fourth FedExCup title
Australian Min Woo Lee shot a bogey-free 62 to lead the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship, leaving European contenders to navigate a tightly contested and highly lucrative finale.
Min Woo Lee has taken a two-shot lead at the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship after carding a bogey-free 62 at East Lake Golf Club. The Australian’s eight-birdie round set the early pace in Atlanta, where preferred lies were implemented following overnight rain.
World number one Scottie Scheffler sits three shots back after a 65, joining Ludvig Åberg in a group at five under. Norway’s Viktor Hovland finished at six under, keeping the European challenge alive before Lee’s closing birdie restored the two-shot cushion.
Rory McIlroy faces a steep climb in his bid for a record-extending fourth FedExCup title. The world number two sits tied for 20th place, six shots off the lead, after an eventful 68 that included three bogeys and five birdies.
The FedExCup finale represents the most significant concentration of prize money and commercial value on the golf calendar. For European golf, strong showings from McIlroy, Åberg, and defending champion Tommy Fleetwood are critical to maintaining the continent’s leverage and market share in a sport increasingly shaped by global financial interests.
Lee’s round was unusual as he played the majority of the day alone following his playing partner JJ Spaun’s withdrawal on the sixth hole due to a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old noted the adjustment required to maintain his rhythm without a partner.
"It was a little strange at first, just like looking for a playing partner and you're just there by yourself," Lee admitted. "I had to just slow down a little bit, but it worked out."
The low-scoring conditions saw all 29 players who completed their rounds break par. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is one shot further back, grouped alongside compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick and Open winner Ryan Fox.
Scheffler avoided early trouble and finished strongly, highlighting the premium on accuracy at East Lake. "Every time you miss a fairway out here, you're going to be struggling for par," the world number one observed.
