Wheatcroft uses late birdie blitz to grab John Deere lead

ILLINOIS: Steve Wheatcroft (pic) used a late flurry of birdies to grab the first-round lead at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, as the American journeyman boosted his hopes of booking a last-minute ticket to the British Open.

Wheatcroft capped a bogey-free round at the TPC Deere Run with six consecutive birdies for a sparkling nine-under 62 that was his lowest round of the season and took him one shot clear of compatriot Michael Kim.

The 40-year-old was three-under after completing the par-five 10th, where he made his third birdie of the day but kicked into another gear from the par-four 13th, where he stuck his 129-yard approach shot to within six feet.

“I wanted to just go to the first tee and start the second round,” the world No. 927 told reporters after his spectacular seven-under back nine.

Wheatcroft, whose best finish so far this season was a share of 28th at the Corales Punta Cana Resort and Club Championship, went out early and took advantage of ideal scoring conditions on a soft course with almost no wind.

He will now try to convert his hot start into a spot at next week’s British Open at Carnoustie, which invites this week’s highest finisher who has not already qualified, provided the player ends the event among the tournament’s top-five.

“It’s been a brutal year, to be honest with you,” Wheatcroft added.

“It’s probably the worst year I’ve had so far but I don’t feel like I’m playing the worst golf of my career.

“I actually feel like I’m playing some good golf, I’m just not getting the results out of it.”