Min Woo Lee took an unexpected early lead at the Tour Championship after carding a career-best opening round of eight-under par 62 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The Australian birdied eight holes without a bogey to hold a two-stroke advantage over American players Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup, as well as Norway’s Viktor Hovland, who all finished the day at six-under par.

The Tour Championship, the final event in the FedEx Cup playoff series, features the top 30 players following cuts from the initial 70 competitors at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and then 50 at the BMW Championship. The tournament carries a total prize purse of $40 million, with the winner set to earn $10 million.

Lee credited a last-minute change in his driving shafts for his improved performance, a decision prompted by struggles with his iron play in the previous two events. The change came after he endured a difficult third round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he shot five-over par. Working with Callaway in a “blind test” to find the right shaft, Lee switched on the Tuesday before the tournament, despite initial hesitation from his team. He said the adjustment helped him regain confidence and consistency in his shots.

Despite it being his first competitive round at East Lake, Lee was well-prepared, having studied the course via video in advance. He also navigated an unusual situation during the round, playing alone after his scheduled partner, JJ Spaun, withdrew due to a shoulder injury. Lee described the experience as initially strange but managed his pace carefully, slowing down when necessary between groups.

Currently ranked 21st in the FedEx Cup points, Lee’s strong start positions him as a contender for the FedEx Cup title and the accompanying $10 million first prize, a significant jump from his initial standing given that points do not carry over into this final event.

Fellow Australian Adam Scott, the oldest competitor at the tournament in his 11th Tour Championship appearance, carded a solid four-under 66, placing him tied for eighth. Scott reflected on the increasingly competitive nature of the sport, noting the depth of talent among younger players coming through the college system and how the standard has risen sharply over the last decade and a half.