Johnson & McGirt Now Up in John Deere Classic


Zach Johnson and William McGirt are tied for the lead at the halfway point of the John Deere Classic. The $4.7 million PGA Tour event started Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Johnson, the tournament winner in 2012 who began the second round sharing the 18-hole lead with Brian Harman and Rory Sabbatini after each opened with 7-under 64s, carded a 4-under 67 that included seven birdies and three bogeys.

McGirt, a 35-year-old from North Carolina in search of his first Tour title, had a 66. Starting on the 10th tee, McGirt opened with two birdies and a pair of bogeys to make the turn at even-par 36. But on his home half, McGirt fired six birdies in the first eight holes before closing with a bogey on the last.

The two enter the weekend at 12-under 130.

One stroke back are Australian Steven Bowditch (67) and Americans Johnson Wagner (65) and Harman, who posted a 68.

Two behind Johnson and McGirt are three-time Deere winner Steve Stricker (65), Todd Hamilton (69), Ryan Moore (67) and Sabbatini (70).

Tied for 10th at 134 are Jerry Kelly (68), Robert Streb (69), Charles Howell III (68) and Kevin Na (66).

Defending champion Jordan Spieth got untracked Friday. After beginning with a 71 the 20-year-old from Dallas had a 64 to reach 7-under 135.

With several players yet to complete their rounds as this story went to press, the tentative 36-hole cut is 2-under 140.

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