Thomas, Kokrak tie course record to share lead at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas and Jason Kokrak share the lead after firing 7-under 65s in Round 1 of the BMW Championship to tie the course record at Medinah Country Club.
"I had probably the worst warmup I've ever had in my entire life today," Thomas said after his round.
It didn't matter. The 26-year-old carded seven birdies and zero bogeys to put himself into contention for his first win of the season.
Kokrak - who's never won in his eight-year career on the PGA Tour - joined Thomas at the top with his 65 in the afternoon. The 34-year-old Kokrak sits 32nd on the FedEx Cup points list, with only the top 30 advancing to next week's Tour Championship.
Here's how the congested leaderboard stands after Round 1:
| Place | Player | To Par | R1 Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Justin Thomas | -7 | 65 |
| T1 | Jason Kokrak | -7 | 65 |
| T3 | Jim Furyk | -6 | 66 |
| T3 | Joel Dahmen | -6 | 66 |
| T3 | Lucas Glover | -6 | 66 |
| T3 | Brandt Snedeker | -6 | 66 |
| T3 | Patrick Cantlay | -6 | 66 |
| T8 | Rory Sabbatini | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Scott Piercy | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Tony Finau | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Adam Scott | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Xander Schauffele | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Adam Hadwin | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Rickie Fowler | -5 | 67 |
| T8 | Chez Reavie | -5 | 67 |
The 49-year-old Jim Furyk held the clubhouse lead for a brief moment. At this point last season, the former Ryder Cup captain ranked outside the top 200 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He entered this week No. 49.
Notables Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler, and Xander Schauffele are all in the mix after Round 1.
Tiger Woods shot a 1-under 71 to sit in a tie for 50th.
Round 2 begins Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET.