Tiger Woods sure didn't look intimidated Thursday in the Tour Championship.
Woods kept the ball in play at East Lake and chipped in for one of his six birdies on his way to a 4-under 66 that gave him a share of the lead with Justin Rose. It was the first step toward what Woods hopes is another FedEx Cup title, and another $10 million bonus.
Rory McIlroy, playing with Woods for the fifth time in these playoffs, saved par on the last hole for a 69.
The week began with Greg Norman saying that Woods was intimidated by McIlroy, a suggestion that both players found amusing. While it's doubtful that inspired Woods, he played as if he wasn't ready to let McIlroy win a third straight playoff event.
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Tiger Woods of the United States tips his cap on the 18th green after completing the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Justin Rose of England reacts after a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Justin Rose of England smiles after a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the U.S. blasts from the bunker at the fourth hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland urges his putt closer to the pin at the fourth hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the U.S. reacts on the sixth tee with playing partner Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Phil Mickelson of U.S. reacts on the ninth hole after his birdie attempt is short, but pars the hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the U.S. and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (R) walk at the fourth hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the U.S. and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (R) prepare to hit the first tee during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/David Tulis (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits off the third tee during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits out of the sand trap on the second hole during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the United States hits off the third tee during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
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Tiger Woods of the United States tips his cap on the 18th green after completing the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia September 20, 2012. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT GOLF)
Photo: REUTERS
