Woods makes an early statement at East Lake

ATLANTA — Tiger Woods sure didn't look intimated 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.