Ryder Cup comes into view during battle for FedEx Cup

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The FedEx Cup is all about the $10 million bonus at the end of the four playoff events.

For a dozen or so Americans, the only Cup that matters now is one that doesn’t pay a dime.

The Ryder Cup couldn’t ignored earlier this week.

Patrick Reed shared the lead after the opening round at the Barclays. Rickie Fowler, J.B. Holmes and Kevin Chappell were among those one shot behind. All four are very much in the mix to make the U.S. team, with qualifying be for the top eight spots ending after this weekend.

“Of course it’s on my mind,” Reed said after his five-under 66 gave him a share of the lead with Martin Laird.

It’s easy to forget about the FedEx Cup and its big bonus because there are still 15 rounds left to reach that point. The opening day at Bethpage Black, one of the toughest on the PGA Tour schedule, was just trying to beat the wind and stay in the game.

LEADERS: Reed had a good laugh at his own expense earlier this week when he was asked to bang the gavel for the ceremonial bell closing at the New York Stock Exchange. Dressed in a blue suit with an American tie, he banged once, twice ... and on the third try, he broke the gavel.

The only thing he broke Thursday was par.

Reed opened with 10 pars, a strong feat considering he started on the tougher back nine, and then ran off three birdies and an eagle for a 66.

Laird also had a clean card, with four birdies on the front nine and a shot out of the rough to the elevated green on the 16th to 6 feet for his fifth birdie. He’s not worried about the Ryder Cup. He is No. 89 in the FedEx Cup, so the first order of business was to be among the top 100 to advance to next week.