Jordan Spieth ties career-best PGA Tour opener with Nelson 64

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Jordan Spieth tied his best-ever first round in his PGA Tour career on Thursday, finishing up a 6-under 64 as the sun set on Day 1 of the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Four Seasons in Dallas.

Spieth attributed the performance not really to playing better, but rather having a better outlook on the course and making sure he avoided amplifying mistakes.

“I hit it better last week than I did today, but I think it was an off day with my irons,” said Spieth. “I got it in decent spots and was able to convert a couple of 8- and 10-footers.”

The 22-year-old kicked off the round on the right foot, chipping in for birdie on the first hole of the tournament. He was also efficient on the two par 5s, making birdie on both. Throw in another four birdies against just one bogey, and Spieth is in contention.

The Thursday 64 ties his career-low opening round with last year at Colonial, where he finished tied for second, and at the 2015 Masters, which he won. It’s a good sign for this week.

This is Spieth’s hometown event, and it’s title-sponsored by one his largest endorsements. There’s a lot of pressure on him to perform. In fact, Spieth hasn’t finished in the top 20 in this event since he finished tied for 16th as a 16-year-old amateur in 2010.

Spieth said he felt a little different inside the ropes in this event on Thursday. Rain drove away the crowds a little bit, but if he’s in contention on the weekend, he’ll be surrounded by galleries that, in the last year, have become commonplace.

“At this point if you’re in contention on the weekend it doesn’t matter where we’re playing, there are huge crowds,” he said.

“Everything has been a bit more calm this week and it’s been a lot easier to just stay in a normal rhythm.”

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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