Vegas cashes in with 62 at John Deere Classic

[July 13, 2019]  (Reuters) - It was another day, another 62 on the PGA Tour as Jhonattan Vegas became the latest player to post the score en route to a one-stroke lead after the second round of the John Deere Classic on Friday.

It was the sixth round in succession in which someone has managed 62, a reflection not just of the quality of play on the tour but also relatively easy conditions.

The nine-under effort left Vegas a shot ahead of American Andrew Landry (65) at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

"A phenomenal round," Venezuelan Vegas told Golf Channel after posting a 13-under 129 halfway total.

"I felt absolutely in control today. Hit my irons really well, something I've been missing all year. It's been a while since I had a good round like this."

American Lucas Glover, a former U.S. Open champion, had an albatross at the par-five 10th, where he used a three-iron from 255 yards.

The feat helped Glover to a 64 that hoisted him within two shots of Vegas.

First round leader Roberto Diaz of Mexico, who had 62 on Thursday, double-bogeyed his final hole for a 73, plunging six shots off the pace.

The highest placed finisher on Sunday not already exempt to next week's British Open will punch the final ticket to Royal Portrush.

Vegas and Landry both have that opportunity.

 Jhonattan Vegas hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the 2019 U.S. Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Vegas, 34, a three-times PGA Tour winner, finished equal third at the prestigious Players Championship in March but has struggled recently, missing three cuts in his past four starts before this week.

"I found something really good on the range last night and carried it out onto the round," he said.

"I've been struggling with my ball-striking all year, decided to re-set my posture and it was magic."

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Ian Ransom)

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