The 43-year-old Scott needed a flying start to the final PGA Tour event before the post-season with only the top-70 — down previously from the top-125 — set to make it to the lucrative fare that begins next week.

Scott is No.81 and likely needs at least a top-10 finish to have any chance of advancing – and he's given himself an ideal launch pad during the opening round.

The 43-year-old finds himself in a tie for fifth with American JT Poston at the close of play on Thursday, three-shots adrift of American Russell Henley on eight-under.

"I've had a lot of years having a go at the FedExCup Playoffs, and all these kind of things come to an end at some point," Scott said after his round.

"But for sure, I want to win this tournament – and if I do that, I can have a really good run right through to East Lake, I believe."

He made a couple of birdies from the 12-foot range and seized on rain-softened conditions with his wedge to set up short birdie attempts.

His most unusual par was on the 226-yard 7th hole, with a creek running down the right side. Scott hit his tee shot so far to the right — the pin was left — he went on the other side of the creek. He chopped out of thick, wet grass to 15 feet and made the par putt.

The top-50 after the first playoff event in Memphis, Tennessee, next week will move on to the second round outside of Chicago and are assured of playing in all the signature $US20 million ($A31 million) events next year.

The top-30 then reach the FedExCup finale at East Lake for the Tour Championship.

"I want to win this tournament – and if I do that, I can have a really good run right through to East Lake, I believe." - Adam Scott.

Justin Thomas has more stress awaiting him, both for making the Playoffs and being part of the Ryder Cup team.

He didn't take advantage of short irons and had to settle for a 70. His next task will be making sure he's part of the weekend.

Thomas had a round that matched the dreary day of light but steady rain.

He had two birdies, two bogeys and the rest pars, some of them valuable. But he needs a high finish — 18th place at a mathematical minimum, though something around 10th might be safer — to get into the top-70. He currently is at No. 78.

Most of the players who don't reach the postseason will have the Fall to make sure they stay among the top-125 who have full cards for 2024.