Tiger roars at Tour Championship – but advantage Rose in title fight

Tiger Woods grabbed a share of the lead in brilliant style in the Tour Championship yesterday as Justin Rose gained the upper hand in the battle for the FedEx Cup title and a £7.6 million bonus.

Woods holed from 25 feet for an eagle on the 18th at East Lake to complete a five-under par 65 and join Ryder Cup team-mate Rickie Fowler at the top of the leaderboard.

After three-putting the first hole for a bogey, Woods recovered to birdie the fifth and sixth and picked up further shots on the 12th and 14th before thrilling the large crowds with his grandstand finish.

Woods, who has not featured in the season-ending Tour Championship since 2013, said: “After the three-wiggle at one, I played my way back into it and hung in there and made two good putts at five and six that basically turned the whole round around.

“I know how to play this golf course, I know the angles, I just haven’t seen the greens at this speed though. This is something different.

“Our game plan today was being more defensive but when you have a green light, just absolutely go for it.”

Woods underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2017 in a last-ditch attempt to save his career and has recorded six top 10s on the PGA Tour this season as he seeks a first win since 2013.

“It’s been unbelievable, the amount of support, and I certainly appreciate it because I’ve been away from the game and haven’t been able to play at this level, or play,” the 42-year-old added.

“To come back and feel this kind of support, there have been some tough times where I had to dig out a round and the crowds have been so fantastic through the year trying to give me energy. They really want me to play well and I’m trying.”

Rose birdied the 17th and 18th to lie a shot off the lead alongside Gary Woodland, with Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Tony Finau another shot further back.

Rose, Finau, Thomas, Dustin Johnson and points leader Bryson DeChambeau know that victory at East Lake will guarantee them the overall title regardless of other results, with Johnson playing his last four holes in four under to shoot 69, while DeChambeau struggled to a 71.

McIlroy had held the early lead after carding four birdies in the first six holes, but eventually had to settle for a three-under-par 67.