Thomas fires 63, takes early lead at CJ Cup in South Korea

JEJU, South Korea - Justin Thomas had two eagles on his front nine and finished with a 9-under 63 to take a first-round lead Thursday at the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges, the first PGA Tour tournament staged in South Korea.

Thomas started with a bogey at 10 but made amends with eagles on the par-5 12th and 18th holes and four straight birdies from No. 14-17 to turn in 29. He had three more birdies and a bogey that gave him a three-stroke cushion toward the end of the round.

Chez Reavie, Gavin Kyle Green, Scott Brown, Patrick Reed and Marc Leishman all opened with 66s and were in a share of second spot at 6 under.

Jason Day and fellow Australian Rod Pampling were at 4 under, one stroke ahead of Pat Perez, who was coming off a victory at last week's CIMB Classic in Malaysia. Adam Scott was an even after an opening round containing four birdies and four bogeys.