Two Share Lead in John Deere Classic; Spieth Eight Back


While No. 2-ranked Jordan Spieth struggled, Justin Thomas and Nicholas Thompson soared at the John Deere Classic. The $4.7 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Thomas carded 10 birdies and a bogey on the par-71 course for a 63, and Thompson posted seven birdies, an eagle on the par-4 14th (his fifth hole of the day after starting on the 10th tee), and a lone bogey to tie Thomas.

One stroke back are fellow Americans Charles Howell III and Luke Guthrie, while two behind are Robert Garrigus, Daniel Summerhays, Steve Stricker and Shawn Stefani. Three of Stricker's 12 Tour titles came at the John Deere Classic.

Defending champion Brian Harman started with a 67. Playing alongside Harman were the winner of last week's Greenbrier Classic were New Zealand's Danny Lee (68), and Spieth.

Spieth, the winner of the year's first two majors - the Masters and U.S. Open - with 10 top-10 finishes in 17 starts this season, began with an even-par 71. After a birdie and two bogeys on the front nine, the 21-year-old from Dallas carded two birdies and a bogey coming home.

For complete scoring, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.