Silvis, Ill. ? Jonathan Byrd, in his second year on the PGA Tour, and 1999 champion J.L. Lewis shots 6-under 65s Thursday and shared the first-round lead at the John Deere Classic.

Vijay Singh, third on the PGA Tour’s money list this year, closed with an eagle and birdie to finish at 66, tied with Chris Riley who finished his round with a three-putt bogey.

“I look at these golf tournaments like marathons. You aren’t going to win the first day,” Riley said.

Eight players were two shots off the lead, while six others had 68s at the 7,193-yard Tournament Players Club at Deere Run, near the Quad Cities.

“I think my mind was clicking for me today more than anything. I never got rattled,” said Lewis, who had six birdies.

The tournament drew its best-ever field after being moved back from its traditional July spot on the schedule. The tournament boasted 14 players with a total of 20 major championships until 1995 U.S. Open winner Corey Pavin withdrew after eight holes because of a neck injury.

Several of the marquee names remain within striking distance of the lead, including Justin Leonard (69) and leading money-winner Davis Love III (70).