Jordan Spieth during the first round of the 2014 BMW Championship

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Spieth Uses Local Knowledge to Co-Lead BMW

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. -- Jordan Spieth's last trip to Cherry Hills didn't last as long as hoped. He lost to reigning NCAA champion Thomas Pieters in the first round of match play at the 2012 U.S. Amateur here. Spieth is off to a good start this time. He shot 3-under 67 and is co-leading with Rory McIlroy and Gary Woodland.

Spieth said he feels like he's back in his amateur-golf days. He is staying with the same family that hosted him here in 2012. 

"I really like the golf course. It's nice to be back," he said. "Just to be back here and to see the golf course and understand that this is one of the very few events where I may have more experience than a lot of guys."

Spieth played four rounds at Cherry Hills in 2012: two practice rounds, one round in stroke play and one match-play round. His caddie, Michael Greller, also has experience here. He caddied for current Web.com Tour player Justin Thomas, who advanced to the tournament's semifinals. Thomas, No. 5 on the Web.com Tour money list, will be a PGA TOUR rookie next season.

Spieth, No. 9 in the FedExCup, is seeking his first victory since last year's John Deere Classic. His instructor, Cameron McCormick, and trainer were in town this week to help him prepare for the BMW Championship.

"A lot of it was working on getting the ball up in the air more," Spieth said. "My swing was fine, I didn't need to worry about my swing. It was kind of at impact, making sure I had it in the right place to launch the ball up in the air. With the altitude and the fact that the greens are very firm, I need to be coming in a little higher."

Spieth made six birdies Thursday, tied for most in the field. He was third in the field in strokes gained-putting.