(CNN) -- South Africa's Rory Sabbatini fired seven birdies in a five-under 66 to seize a share of the first-round lead in the BMW Championship at Cog Hill, Illinois.
Sabbatini carded seven birdies to hold a share of the first round lead at Cog Hill.
Sabbatini joined American Steve Marino on top of the leaderboard in the third event of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoff series, after he birdied the final hole.
Australian Marc Leishman and American Bo Van Pelt are one shot behind, heading the chasers.
Tiger Woods posted a three-under 68 to head a group of six players that also include Ireland's Padraig Harrington, Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Colombian Camilo Villegas.
Woods told reporters the remodeled course at Cog Hill required a little getting used to, even for a four-time champion like him.
"I think anything under-par is a really good score," said the world number one, who had three birdies from within five-feet.
Steve Stricker, whose victory on Monday in the Deutsche Bank Championship put him on top of the FedEx Cup standings, carded a one-over 72 that included a three-putt from 10-feet.
Heath Slocum, who won the first of the FedEx Cup events, The Barclays, and is third in the playoff standings behind Woods, posted a round of 70.
A total of 70 players qualified for the penultimate playoff event, and the top 30 advance to the Tour Championship with a $10m bonus for the winner on the line.
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