Sabbatini is playoff ready with a 63 at Westchester

The playoffs arrived on the PGA Tour and delivered a first-round leader in Rory Sabbatini, a brash South African who loves the idea of going head-to-head and is not afraid to speak highly of his chances no matter who’s in his way.

Too bad Tiger Woods wasn’t around Thursday at the Barclays.

Sabbatini, whose best year in golf has been highlighted by barbs directed at the world’s No. 1 player, attacked a soft Westchester Country Club on his way to an eight-under-par 63 for a one-shot lead over Rich Beem and K.J. Choi at Harrison, N.Y.

The Barclays is the first of four tournaments that makes up the PGA Tour playoffs. Woods is skipping this event, and the only thing that resembled real playoffs was that some of the top players brought their top games.

A winner at Colonial, Sabbatini came into these playoffs at No. 13 in the world and No. 6 in the playoff standings.

“I would say I’m getting close to getting to the top level,” Sabbatini said. “I keep opening the door and keep slamming it on my foot every time I step through.”

Two other players among the top 10 also got off to a strong start -- Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson each shot 67.

Derek Fathauer made quick work of both of his opponents in match play and is two wins from a berth in the finals of the U.S. Amateur Championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

The Louisville senior defeated USA Walker Cup team member Chris Kirk, 7 and 6, in the second round, then dominated stroke medalist Jason Kokrak, 6 and 4, to advance to today’s quarterfinals.