Date: July 13, 2007
Author:

Lancaster leads the way

Neal Lancaster leads the way after the first round at the John Deere Classic in Illinois but Australian Nathan Green remains in contention, just three shots off the pace. Tour veteran Lancaster produced a superb round of 64 to lead the field at seven-under, one-stroke ahead of a five-man group in second that comprises of Paul Stankowski, Kenny Perry, Scott Gutschewski, Duffy Waldorf and Jason Dufner. Green (67) is just two strokes further back, although at the halfway point of his round, it appeared as if the Australian would be leading the way after day one as he recorded four birdies on the front nine before returning with an even-par score. Just one-stroke behind Green is New Zealander Phil Tataurangi who carded four birdies and a bogey on the back nine on his way to a score of 68. In a solid round for the Australian contingent, Andrew Buckle is at two-under after carding 69 for the first round, alongside compatriots Andrew Buckle, Michael Sim, Paul Gow, Peter Lonard, Jarrod Lyle and Stephen Leaney. It was a particularly frustrating day for Gow especially, as the Australian recorded five birdies and three bogeys in his 69, although two of his bogeys came deep in the back nine and prevented him from being level with Green. Further back in the field, Steve Allan and Bronson Lacassie are at even-par alongside New Zealander Grant Waite, while Paul Sheehan and Gavin Coles are a further stroke back as David Diaz (75) and John Senden (78) virtually find themselves out of contention for even making the cut. Results from round one of the John Deere Classic, Illinois: -7: Neal Lancaster 64 -6: Jason Dufner 65, Scott Gutschewski 65, Kenny Perry 65, Paul Stankowski 65, Duffy Waldorf 65 -5: Bob May 66, Kevin Sutherland 65 -4: Briny Baird 67, Cameron Beckman 67, Jonathan Byrd 67, Brendon De Jonge 67, Paul Goydos 67, Nathan Green 67, Bob Heintz 67, Kent Jones 67, Craig Lile 67, Carl Pettersson 67, D.J Trahan 67, Kirk Triplett 67 Also: -3: Phil Tataurangi (New Zealand) 68 -2: Andrew Buckle (Australia) 69, Paul Gow (Australia) 69, Stephen Leaney 69, Peter Lonard (Australia) 69, Jarrod Lyle (Australia) 69, Michael Sim (Australia) 69 E: Steve Allan (Australia) 71, Bronson LaCassie (Australia) 71, Grant Wait (New Zealand) 71 1: Gavin Coles (Australia) 72, Paul Sheehan (Australia) 72 4: David Diaz (Australia) 75 7: John Senden (Australia) 78