Thomas, Rahm Share Northern Trust Lead

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) – Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm share the first-round lead at the PGA’s Northern Trust in New Jersey.  Both opened with an 8-under 63 as the PGA Tour’s postseason began with no shortage of bizarre developments. Rahm was playing for the first time in a month, and Thomas sizzled after a 15-year-old told him to go back to the putter he abandoned earlier this year.  Harold Varner is alone in third, three shots off the lead and one ahead of a group that includes Adam Scott and Tony Finauy.  Bryson DeChambeau also made nine birdies but was done in by five bogeys and two double bogeys that put him eight shots back.  Patrick Reed had to withdraw from the tournament with an ankle injury. The timing is not great for Reed with Ryder Cup qualifying ending after next week. He is No. 9 in the U.S. standings and only the top six automatically qualify for the team.