Matteson in front after birdie blitz

Troy Matteson got off to a flier at the John Deere Classic with a career-best-equalling 61 to open up a three-shot lead.

The 32-year-old opened his flawless round with back-to-back birdies and continued to pick up shots as he fired five birdies on each nine to finish the day at 10-under-par.
It was just the third time this year that Matteson had recorded sub-70 rounds on the first day and the two-time PGA Tour winner is looking to make best use of his first effort.
"I've always been one of the slow-starting Thursday players," Matteson said. "If I could do one thing differently in my entire career, it would be to be a faster starter."
"I made a couple of putts that were really, really difficult, and I had a bunch of other really, really good looks," he added.
"I didn't think it was going to be 10-under, but definitely thought it was going to be good."
Ricky Barnes carded eight birdies and one bogey to lie clear in second after an opening 64, three behind the leader and one shot clear of a seven-way tie for third.
Three-time defending champion Steve Stricker remains in contention in that group alongside Robert Garrigus, Scott Piercy, Brian Harman, Luke Guthrie, Korea's KJ Choi and England's Gary Christian.