Defending champion Zach Johnson shot a 7-under 64 to share the lead with Camilo Villegas after Thursday’s opening round of the John Deere Classic.
It was the 17th straight round in the 60s at TPC Deere Run for Johnson, who grew up in nearby Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Matt Bettencourt made the field as a late alternate and shot a 6-under 65 to hold a share of third spot with Daniel Summerhays and Brendon de Jonge.
Boo Weekley is among a pack of players at 5-under 66, while three-time tournament champion Steve Stricker is at 4-under 67 heading into Friday’s second round.
Johnson, who was second in 2009 and third in 2011 before winning last year, avoided bogeys while picking up birdies on five par-4s on Thursday.
“It just feels so natural now,” Johnson said. “It just feels very, very comfortable, much like my golf game — though I don’t want to get overly content with the fact that I’m overly comfortable. So I’ve still got to go to work.”
Villegas was also very comfortable on a course that proved player-friendly in the morning session. He converted a pair of par-3 birdie putts to highlight a strong day on the greens.
“Made some great putts and just kept out of trouble. The golf course is a little receptive, and you could be aggressive,” Villegas said. “I was very pleased with the way I handled myself out there. It was nice, relaxed.”