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American begins on 10-under in tournament’s new format• Rory McIlroy in contention but has mixed views on set-upIt is quite a feat for a $15m prize, hiked by $5m from previous years, not to be the main topic of discussion at the Tour Championship. A switch of format, as the PGA Tour seeks a fairer and simpler conclusion to its FedEx Cup, has dominated the buildup at East Lake. A 30-man field are about to step into uncharted territory.
In linking the sport’s most illustrious names to the domain of amateurs, a handicap system has been implemented. The leading points scorer in the FedEx Cup, Justin Thomas, begins the season-ending event on Thursday at 10 under par and holding a two-shot advantage over Patrick Cantlay. Five players starting out at even par complete the field.