Patrick Cantlay retains two-shot lead as Jon Rahm surges within striking distance

Rahm made seven birdies in sharing the low round of the day in the chase for the FedEx Cup and the $15m prize that comes with it

Patrick Cantlay walks on the 16th hole during the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Patrick Cantlay started and ended his Thursday at the Tour Championship with a two-shot lead. The image in his rear-view mirror, however, may look closer and more ominous than it appears.

Jon Rahm, the reigning US Open champion, made seven birdies in sharing the low round of the day at 5-under 65, shaving two shots off his initial deficit to move into second place at 11-under par just two shots behind Cantlay in the chase for the FedEx Cup and the $15m prize that comes with it.