Rory McIlroy is delighted with his overall game after a three-under par 67 to start the Tour Championship in Atlanta, though he knows he needs to cut down on his mistakes.

McIlroy got off to a flying start at East Lake when he shot to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies over the first six holes.

Errors crept in thereafter, with two bogeys and a double-bogey six at the 12th leaving him two shots adrift of early leaders Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler after day one.

McIlroy is alongside Justin Thomas and Tony Finau – Ryder Cup opponents in Paris next week – and one behind world number one Justin Rose and Gary Woodland.

The four-time Major champion and former FedEx Cup winner is happy with his game overall as he chases a second win of 2018 and his second career victory in the Tour Championship.

Having made seven birdies in his opening 18 hopes, McIlroy admits he just needs to cut out the costly mistakes to be right in the mix come Sunday in Atlanta.

“It was a great start being four under through six, unfortunately, I just didn’t keep it going,” he said.

“But if I keep swinging and hitting the ball like that and giving myself chances, I should be right up there at the end of the week.

“I’m making the birdies. I made seven birdies out there today, which is great. The good stuff is in there and just need to limit the mistakes and it’ll be all good.”

McIlroy is now 8.00 to win the Tour Championship, with first round leader Woods the favourite at 5.25.