Crowded at the Top of John Deere Classic


Zach Johnson, Rory Sabbatini and Brian Harman each carded 8-under 63s to take the opening-round lead in the John Deere Classic. The $4.7 million PGA Tour event is being played at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Starting on the 10th hole, Johnson, winner of the tournament in 2012, posted six birdies on his opening nine. The native of Iowa, who grew up near the course, had ideas of a magical 59 but after two more birdies early on his home half, had seven pars the rest of the way for a 63.

"It hit me," admitted the Drake graduate. "I'm like, 'Wait, how many holes have we played and how many am I under?' But over shots, I stayed in my routine. I hit a lot of really good shots."

Johnson, who won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January for his 11th Tour title, said he has more important considerations at this early point. "I wasn't coming here to shoot 59," the 2007 Masters' champion said. "I came here to win a golf tournament . . . I'd rather have 59 wins than a 59."

The 38-year-old Sabbatini, a native of South Africa who lives in Fort Worth, Texas, had four birdies on each the front and back nines, while Harman recorded nine birdies and a bogey.

One shot back are Americans Todd Hamilton and William McGirt and Australian Steven Bowditch. Two behind are Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge and Americans Kevin Tway, David Toms and Robert Streb.

Tied for 11th after 5-under 66s are South African Trevor Immelman and Americans Charles Howell III, Ryan Moore, Johnson Wagner, Jerry Kelly and Justin Hicks.

Jordan Spieth, who survived a five-hole playoff last year to beat David Hearn and Johnson for his first Tour title, opened with an even-par 71.

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