Friday 25 September 2015 00:08, UK
Rory McIlroy believes Jordan Spieth would pip Jason Day in a contest to decide which of the pair has been the best player on the PGA Tour this season.
Debate has increased as to whether Spieth, who won the year's opening two majors, or Day, who has won four of his past six tournaments, would be awarded player of the season after this week's Tour Championship.
Although Day has stormed to the top of the world rankings with a string of impressive displays in recent weeks, McIlroy still believes Spieth's early-season success would see him come out on top.
"I've always viewed majors as the premium above anything else in golf, maybe that's because I'm a major champion myself," McIlroy told Sky Sports 4.
"Just with the way Jordan (Spieth) played in the majors this year, starting off at Augusta backing it up at the US Open and then having two great chances to win at the Open and at Whistling Straits.
"To be 54-under-par has never been seen before in the history of golf, so two majors to one would be my thinking. Either guy would feel they deserve it, just what I feel is important in the game Jordan just pips it for me."
McIlroy opened his bid for East Lake victory by recovering from a slow start to card a four-under 66 and move in to a tie for third.
The world No 2 found himself one over through six after a two-putt bogey at the second and felt his round needed a spark prior to his 12-foot gain at the seventh.
"I think the putt at seven was it," McIlroy added. "I felt I was playing pretty well but to hole a putt like this gave me a little bit of confidence.
"I feel like I'm hitting the ball very well and hit a lot of shots pretty close today, so I'll need to continue to do that over the week to have a chance."
In contention
Paul Casey made the perfect start to his first Tour Championship appearance since 2010, posting six birdies in a first-round 65 to lie in outright second within two strokes of leader Henrik Stenson.
The Englishman, one of only four Europeans in this week's field, told Sky Sports 4: "It's great to be back. I have been through a lot since then so it's wonderful to be among the top 30 with a chance of winning the FedEx Cup.
"It's a course I really like, very classic. It sets up very well for my game; you have to put yourself in good position off the tee, a high ball flight helps and these greens are as quick as Augusta, and that's what I like."
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