Perry continues strong run at John Deere Classic

SILVIS, Ill. -- Kenny Perry takes pride in his ability to absorb shots and bury them. And he's been doing plenty of both lately.

While others wonder why he's skipping majors, Perry's enjoying one of his best runs in more than two decades on the PGA Tour. That trend continued Thursday, when he fired a 6-under 65 in the first round of the John Deere Classic, and it won't stop if he keeps playing this way.

"That's OK," Perry said.

Perry chose not to try qualifying for the U.S. Open last month, and he won't be heading to the British Open next week. Instead, he'll play a secondary tournament in Milwaukee.

"I've been getting hammered for it," Perry said. "I'm proud of myself to be able to push that aside and go out there and shoot good scores."

The 47-year-old Perry is right behind Ken Duke and Charlie Wi in a tie for third after winning two events last month. Woody Austin was in a group at 5-under.

Play was delayed briefly in the morning because of lightning in the area and again in the afternoon.