Wheatcroft in hunt at John Deere
SILVIS, Ill. – Justin Thomas shot a 4-under 67 on Friday to take a 1-shot lead through two rounds at the John Deere Classic.
Thomas, a 22-year-old seeking his first career win, is at 12-under 130 total. Johnson Wagner and Tom Gillis are a shot back.
Trinity High School graduate Steve Wheatcroft shot a 5-under 66 Friday, putting him 9-under for the tournament, three strokes off the lead.
Wheatcroft recorded five birdies on the front 9 and on six of his first 10 holes Friday before bogeying No. 15.
Jordan Spieth shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to go from at risk of missing the cut to moving within five shots of the lead.
Spieth, who will try for his third straight major title next week at the British Open, opened the tournament Thursday with an even-par 71. But he rallied with four birdies in six holes and an eagle Friday.
Yang grabs 3-stroke lead: Amy Yang rolled in four consecutive birdies in a round of 4-under 66 for a three-stroke lead after two rounds if the U.S. Women’s Open.
While the bulk of the field tried to solve the sloping greens at Lancaster Country Club, Yang charged into the lead on her inward nine with birdies on Nos. 11-13. The 25-year-old South Korean was at 7-under 133.
Stacy Lewis, last year’s runner-up, and Japan’s Shiho Oyama were tied for second at 4-under 136.
Marina Alex, part of a three-way tie for the lead after one round, carded a 1-over 71 and was next at 3-under 137.
Karrie Webb, also first round co-leader, had a 2-over 72 and was in a large group at 2-under 138. That group includes top-ranked and two-time champion Inbee Park (70), first-round co-leader Jane Park (72) and Michelle Pressel (70).
Defending champion Michelle Wie rebounded from an opening 72 with a 2-under 68 and was seven shots off the lead.
Janzen among four leaders: Lee Janzen and three others shot opening-round 65 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Champions Tour Encompass Championship at North Shore Country Club in Glenville, Ill.
Fred Funk, Brad Bryant and David Frost also shot 65 on the day, 7-under par.