Howell, Schniederjans lead John Deere Classic
Charles Howell III and Ollie Schniederjans opened with eight-under 63s to share the first-round lead at the John Deere Classic.
The American duo made bright starts at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois on Thursday to be top of a congested leaderboard.
Howell, the world number 56 who was runner-up at the Quicken Loans National, went through bogey-free.
Schniederjans, 24, was three under before making five birdies on his final eight holes.
.@Ollie_GT has all the shots. #QuickHits
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 13, 2017
Proof: pic.twitter.com/kNCKanTqtE
The pair are two shots clear of Zach Johnson, Patrick Rodgers, Chad Campbell and South African Rory Sabbatini.
Johnson, a two-time major winner, mixed seven birdies with a bogey as he looks to add to his 2012 victory at the PGA Tour event.
The American is also a three-time runner-up, most recently in 2014.
A group of seven players are a shot further back at five under, including Wesley Bryan, Daniel Summerhays and Bryson DeChambeau.
.@B_DeChambeau hit 14/14 fairways today.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 13, 2017
"I've never done that before and that was my goal for the past couple years being out here."
pic.twitter.com/LsCudNuooN
Defending champion Ryan Moore made a poor start, shooting a three-over 74 to be tied for 129th.
Brian Harman, the 2014 winner, is at one under, while three-time champion Steve Stricker opened with a 73.