John Deere Classic R2 leaderboard: Lucas Glover builds small lead at TPC Deere Run

Former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover will take a two-shot lead into the weekend at the John Deere Classic. 

The 46-year-old, who is chasing his first PGA Tour title since the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship, went round TPC Deere Run in Illinois on Friday in six-under 65. 

His round, which contained no bogeys, saw him open up a two-shot lead over compatriot Lee Hodges. 

Zac Blair is in solo third on 11-under, with a group of six players a stroke further adrift. 

Max Homa, Chris Gotterup and former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson are also within striking distance of the lead. 

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Glover told reporters his round was "nothing spectacular" but he just played "good, solid golf." 

"Could have made a few more on the front, but I didn't, but I'm still very happy with the way I played," he said. 

He is chasing his first victory since 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship. 

It was a win that sparked chatter he was going to be selected for the aforementioned Johnson's U.S. Ryder Cup team but the former Open champion decided against picking Glover. 

Glover has since tumbled outside the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking. 

"I just wanted to play well again, and I've struggled," said Glover. 

"Having two days like this just gives me a little belief that it's in there, you know?

"Been working hard at it and hadn't seen many results and [I] have for two days. 

"Doesn't mean anything tomorrow. Doesn't mean anything Sunday. But for these first two days my work has been paying off. 

"I got a couple more days to keep fighting and keep doing it."

Glover may have to duke it out with Johnson over the weekend. 

Asked about that prospect, Glover said: "I was stretching this morning, and I got to watch him play a couple of holes. Looks the same. 

"Zach and I have been close for a long time. He's a good man. You know, meant a lot to this tournament. Means a lot to me.

"I'm happy he's playing great, especially for the people around here that love him so much. 

"It's great for the event. It's great for him, great for his family. You know, he's a great dude."

Elsewhere, the 36-hole cut fell at three-under. 

Notable players to miss the cut included Daniel Berger, Michael Thorbjornsen, Neal Shipley, Luke Clanton and the highly-rated Jackson Koivun. 

Koivun was making his first start on the PGA Tour this week since turning professional but finished on one-over after 36 holes.