Joel Dahmen needs a minor miracle to make the FedEx Cup playoffs and revitalize his career. He got a perfect head start toward making that happen.

Dahmen tied the lowest round of his career with a 9-under-par 61 to set the early pace at the Wyndham Championship on Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C.

The Wyndham is the regular-season finale and the last chance to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs that begin next week. A win would vault Dahmen from No. 101 in the standings all the way to 48th, according to the PGA Tour. The top 70 in points after this weekend will reach the playoffs.

Dahmen holds just a one-stroke advantage over Sweden's Alex Noren, who turned in an 8-under 62. Four players were tied for third at 63: Cameron Young, Mark Hubbard, Colombia's Nico Echava

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