Boston has a tough act to follow in FedEx Cup

NORTON, MASS.» Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth shook hands on the 18th green Sunday, then traded text messages later in the night after providing high drama and plenty of star power in the opening FedEx Cup event.

Spieth said he texted him: “Man, congrats. That was a good battle. Let’s do it again next week.”

Johnson’s reply: “Absolutely. I had a good time. That was my turn.”

For the opening act of this lucrative FedEx Cup series that leads to a $10 million prize, the PGA Tour couldn’t have asked for much more. Johnson is the No. 1 player in the world. Judging by the slight spike in television ratings, Spieth is becoming among the most popular.

The Dell Technologies Championship has a tough act to follow.

The second playoff event starts Friday on the TPC Boston course because of the traditional Labor Day finish. Johnson, Spieth and Justin Thomas will be in the same group for the opening two rounds because of their standing in the FedEx Cup. And it just so happens they are the three leading candidates for PGA Tour player of the year.

Chun’s 66 leads Portland event.

PORTLAND, ORE.» In Gee Chun shot a 6-under-par 66 on Thursday in the Cambia Portland Classic to take a one-stroke lead over twotime defending champion Brooke Henderson and five others.

Playing the event for the first time, the sixth-ranked Chun had seven birdies and a bogey at treelined Columbia Edgewater.

The South Korean player tied for third last weekend in the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open and has four runner-up finishes this season. Both of her LPGA Tour wins have come in majors — the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2016 Evian Championship.

Shinkwin leads Czech Masters.

Callum Shinkwin shot an opening 6-under 66 to take the lead at the Czech Masters.

After finishing second last month at the Scottish Open — his best result on the European Tour so far — the 24-year-old Englishman opened with a birdie at the Albatross Golf Resort near Prague.