Masters champion falls six shots back at Deere Classic

Masters champion Zach Johnson couldn't settle in at home, shooting a 1-under 70 and falling six strokes off the lead through the first round of the John Deere Classic on Thursday in Silvis, Ill.

Neal Lancaster shot 7-under to grab a one-shot lead over Duffy Waldorf, Paul Stankowski, Kenny Perry, Scott Gutschewski and Jason Dufner.

Ranked 15th in the world and the only top-45 player in the tournament, Johnson grew up just over an hour away in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and he considers this his home event even though he has never finished higher than 20th.

LPGA Tour

Se Ri Pak isn't sure why she plays so well at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Sylvania, Ohio. Everyone else in the field wonders what her secret is, too.

The four-time tournament winner shot an 8-under 63 to take the first-round lead. It was the best opening round in the tournament's 23-year history.

Alena Sharp was two shots back at 6 under. Only three others were within five shots of the lead, including defending champion Mi Hyun Kim.

European PGA Tour

Phil Mickelson shot a 6-under 65 Thursday to share the lead in the first round of the Scottish Open.

The two-time Masters champion had an eagle and five birdies in the British Open warmup at Loch Lomond in Luss, Scotland.

Graeme Storm, Soren Hansen and Lee Westwood also shot 65 to tie Mickelson, while Mikko Ilonen, Marcel Siem, Mark Foster and Christian Nilsson trail by a stroke.

Ernie Els (69) had four bogeys and six birdies, and was followed by Luke Donald (70) and U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera (71).

Mickelson had been troubled by a wrist injury, but showed little sign of it Thursday.

"There is still pain. Every time you make contact, it stings," he said. "But I know I can't damage it any further and so I'm not afraid to go for the shots."

-- The Associated Press