Ex-UNT standout Sebastian Munoz shares the lead at John Deere Classic

SILVIS, Ill. – Sebastian Munoz never knows when the switch will arrive and the putts will start to fall, but he realized it happened on Thursday at the John Deere Classic.

Munoz, a 28-year-old Colombian who played in North Texas, rode when he closed the TPC Deere Run with five straight birdies for an 8-under 63, turning a solid day into part of the lead with Chesson Hadley.

“To be honest, I just go blank,” Munoz said. “It’s fun because when I do a lot of birdies, I usually play a little safer and pick my spots. I’m about 10, 12 feet and they’re starting to fall. I did that today. And here we are. “

Hadley was on the other side of the course, finishing on the first nine. It wasn’t nearly as spectacular, but he played without bogey and had birdies three times in a row. He was helped by doing three of his birdies from 25 feet.

Hank Lebioda, who finished a playoff shot at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week, was ready to join them. He was 7 under through 12 holes and tied the lead at a tee on the 213-yard seventh hole that ended 20 inches from the cup.

But he missed the fairway on the right on the ninth par-4, decided to pitch back to the fairway, and hit a wedge 6 feet below the cup. He missed the par putt and had to be content with a 64. Chez Reavie and Camilo Villegas, who played that morning, also came in at 64.

In perfect conditions, the score was so good that almost half of the field cracked 70th.

Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker, who had decided to take part in the 50.

This leaves the three-time John Deere Champion some work on Friday afternoon to make the cut. But at least Stricker gets a little more sleep for the 54-year-old body.

“I’m no longer used to getting up at 5 a.m. to play,” says Stricker. “And I played for a while as if I was still sleeping. The ship straightened a little. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t benefit from a few more of those who came in. “

The top 5 leader at the end of the week deserves a trip to the British Open if he’s not already exempt. Munoz is on duty at Royal St. George’s next week. Hadley isn’t, although with so many low values ​​it will take two more days to clear.

Cam Davis, last week’s playoff winner in Detroit, had to turn down his place at the British Open. Kevin Na decided to resign due to family travel regulations, and Davis was next on the reserve list.

A problem. The Australian cannot travel abroad. He got married last September, lives in Seattle with his American-born wife, and decided to get a green card to make traveling abroad and home to Australia easier.

He is now at the stage where he cannot go abroad until he is given a temporary card. He knew that even before he won the Rocket Mortgage Classic. And he’ll get through.

The emotions of winning for the first time can take their toll. Davis wasn’t sure if he was going to keep his form or run out of gas. Thursday was a bit of both. He punched an 8-foot eagle putt on the second par-5 and got 6 under through 11 holes, only to play the rest of the way 2 for a respectable 67.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my family and partying again next week in Seattle and recharging my batteries because this week is a bit of a chore,” said Davis. “I’m pretty tired. It will be nice to relax.”

More golf coverage in the Dallas Morning News can be found here.

[ad_1]