Three Set Pace in John Deere Classic


Patrick Reed, Lucas Glover and defending champion Zach Johnson are now in front of the John Deere Classic. The $4.6 million PGA Tour event began Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Reed, a 22-year-old Texan who earned a spot on this year's Tour through Q-School, followed up his opening 4-under 67 with a 63 that included seven birdies, an eagle on the par-5 17th and a lone bogey. Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, fired a nine-birdie 62, and Johnson, who started with a 64 to take a share of the 18-hole lead with Camilo Villegas, had a five-birdie 66.

Reed is assisted on the course by caddie Justine Reed, who also happens to be his wife. "It's definitely a team," the rookie told PGATour.com. "I mean, she helps me with everything. I never check the wind. She tells me what the wind is. Most of the time, she helps me pick most of my clubs. She seems to know my distances better than I do. She's great at reading putts. So I kind of have the full package."

Alone in fourth at 131 after a 65 is Australia's Matt Jones, while another stroke back are Americans Troy Matteson (64), Kevin Streelman (66), Daniel Summerhays (67) and Jerry Kelly (64), along with Canada's David Hearn (66).

Matteson, who lost last year on the second sudden-death playoff hole to Johnson, had the shot of the day, an ace on the 132-yard third with a pitching wedge.

Sharing 10th at 133 are Americans Chris Kirk (66), Chez Reavie - who recorded Friday's low round, a 10-under 61, three-time Deere champion Steve Stricker (66) and J.J. Henry (65), and South Africa's Brendon de Jonge (68).

Reavie began with a 1-over 72 but got back into contention after going 11 shots lower Friday. "Career-low for me . . . I like the golf course. (Shooting a score like that is) always fun. I didn't make any putts yesterday . . . today I was making putts," said Reavie, who started the day on the 10th tee. The 31-year-old Kansan needed 26 putts en route to recording eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5 second hole (his 11th).

Villegas had a disappointing outing. The 31-year-old Colombian posted three birdies and five bogeys for a 2-over 73.

The cut was set at 4-under 138.

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