American Trent Phillips had just one bogey in firing a five-under 65 in Thursday’s opening round of the Fortinet Cup Championship at Deer Ridge Golf Club in Kitchener, Ont.
Phillips goes into Friday’s second round with a one-shot lead over Americans Joey Vrzich, Thomas Walsh and Scott Stevens.
Étienne Papineau and Joey Savoie led the Canadians with a one-under round of 69 and are tied for 15th.
The season’s overall points winner, who will be determined at Sunday’s conclusion, wins the Fortinet Cup, earns Player of the Year honours, receives membership to the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour and picks up a $25,000 bonus, along with a a berth in the RBC Canadian Open next season.
This week’s tournament champ receives 600 Fortinet Cup points and $40,500.
All of the scores are here.