Rodgers begins to fulfil Woods promise
Patrick Rodgers took a small step towards following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods after building a two-shot lead at the John Deere Classic.
Rodgers tied Woods’ college record at Stanford University in his younger years after winning 11 amateur tournaments – matching the tally of the 14-time major winner.
The 25-year-old is yet to secure his first PGA Tour victory, yet a seven-under-par 64 in Illinois saw him take a two-stroke buffer over fellow American Bryson DeChambeau.
Rodgers’ round saw him sink eight birdies – including a 50-foot chip at the 12th and a 50-foot birdie at the 16th – to take him to 13 under overall.
He would have enjoyed an even handsomer lead if it wasn’t for a bogey on the last.
"I'm starting to drive it nice so I’m giving myself a lot of wedges from the fairways and able to make some birdies,” said Rodgers.
"It's got to be pedal to the metal, because 13-under is not going to win this."
DeChambeau shot a 65 to move into second spot; moving one clear of former John Deere champion Zach Johnson and first round leader Charles Howell III.
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