Thomas Stays atop John Deere Leaderboard


Justin Thomas followed up his opening 8-under 63 with a 67 to forge a one-stroke lead in the John Deere Classic. The $4.7 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Thomas, a 22-year-old from Louisville in search of his second Tour victory, carded five birdies and a bogey to reach 12-under 130, a shot clear of Johnson Wagner and Tom Gillis, who recorded rounds of 63 and 65, respectively.

Trailing Thomas by two are Scott Pinckney (66), Will Wilcox (66) and Daniel Summerhays (67), while Bryce Molder, Steve Wheatcroft, Robert Garrigus, Spencer Levin are at 133.

After opening with a 71, No. 2-ranked Jordan Spieth fired a 64 to rise up to 135 and a share of 11th place at 135 with several others.

"Just another round of golf," said Spieth, who's won both majors this year - the Masters in April and U.S. Open in June - about his improved play in the second round. "This was the third round I have played since the U.S. Open. I'm getting on-course reps and it is making a difference."

The 36-hole cut was set at 4-over 138. Three-time John Deere champion Steve Stricker has shot rounds of 65 and 69 to join Spieth at 8-under.

Nicholas Thompson, who opened with a 63 to tie for the first-round lead with Thomas, posted a 72 to drop into a tie for 16th at 135.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.