Rory McIlroy playing catch-up in Tour Championship: 'You just have to get off to a fast start'

Rory McIlroy will start Thursday tied for 16th place at 2-under par – already eight shots behind leader Patrick Cantlay in the handicapped 30-player field

Rory McIlroy during the final round of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy returns to East Lake seeking a third FedEx Cup title, but he’ll have more work than usual to take home the trophy and a US $15m windfall.

After stepping up to finish fourth last week in the BMW Championship at Caves Valley in Maryland to secure his spot in the Tour Championship, McIlroy will start Thursday tied for 16th place at 2-under par – already eight shots behind leader Patrick Cantlay in the handicapped 30-player field based on points ranking.