Woods delighted with opening round

Tiger Woods is looking to press home his advantage over Rory McIlroy in the race for the FedEx Cup £6million jackpot in Atlanta.

An opening four-under-par 66 at the Tour Championship gave Woods a share of the overnight lead with England's Justin Rose, while world number one McIlroy - winner of three of his last four events - was back in a share of 12th place after losing his head-to-head with Woods by three shots.

"I hit a lot of good shots - I hit a couple of really good putts that lipped out, but other than that it was a really good day," said Woods, who came into the week knowing that like points leader McIlroy a tournament win would also give him the huge play-off bonus.

"Most of the summer I've played well. It was nice to get that week off last week and get a little bit of rest - I felt fresh.

"I enjoy playing with Rory. He's a great kid. Over the years there are certain pairings for me that I've enjoyed and Rory is one of them.

"I think that is the whole idea of the play-offs. Trying to get the top players all playing more often, but also in the same group.

"You figure the top players are going to gravitate towards the top of the points list and hence you're going to have these type of pairings throughout the play-offs.

"I've had Rory three of the four events. I think it's worked out the way that our Tour wanted it to.

"You probably don't believe this, but I get along really well with a lot of guys out here. Rory is no different.

"I give it, they dish it and we have a great time. This is a fraternity out here - that's one of the great things about being out here for 17 years."