BMW Championship: Justin Thomas, Jason Kokrak tied for lead after first round

Thomas Lott

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BMW Championship: Justin Thomas, Jason Kokrak tied for lead after first round image

Justin Thomas has had his struggles this year, but Thursday was not that by any stretch of the imagination.

The 2017 PGA Championship winner is tied for the lead at 7 under with Jason Kokrak after the first round at the BMW Championship at Medinah Country Club on Thursday.

Thomas finished his day with seven birdies and no bogeys, while Kokrak dropped just one shot but sprinkled in an eagle to finish his day in a tie for the lead.

Thomas missed more than a month earlier this season and was unable to compete at the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black with a wrist injury.

He's had problems this season, missing the cut at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, but he's been good as of late as he finished 11th at the British Open and in the top 12 or better in each of his last three tournaments.

“It's weird," he said, via the Golf Channel. "Yeah, I mean, it's been an odd season just because I've missed three tournaments. But the difference with this season and any other season is I'd won.

“I'm playing every bit as good as I have any other year this year, for sure.”

Thomas is currently sitting pretty in getting to the Tour Championship at East Lake next week as he is in 15th in the FedExCup standings, but Kokrak needs a good performance to get in as he is currently in 32nd.

His round Thursday will go a long way in getting him to Atlanta.

One shot back of the leaders is a big group at 6 under featuring Jim Furyk, Joel Dahmen, Lucas Glover, Brandt Snedeker and Patrick Cantlay.

Tiger Woods is six shots back at 1 under just one week removed from pulling out of the Northern Trust with back issues.

Thomas Lott