Golf: Lee and Wilkinson off the pace in Illinois

Kiwi golfer Danny Lee in action during the Greenbrier Classic. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi golfers Danny Lee and Tim Wilkinson have both endured tough opening rounds at the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour in Illinois.

Lee carded a two-over 73 today to be in a share of 119th, while Wilkinson went one worse with a three-over 74 and is stuck in a tie for 136th.

Both players will likely need to go under the card tomorrow if they want to make the cut.
American Zach Johnson is part of a trio of players leading the tournament at eight-under as they set a quick pace at the TPC Deere Run course.

Meanwhile, on the second-tier Web.com Tour, Hamilton's Steven Alker made a quiet start to his Utah Championship title defence with a one-under 70 in Sandy.

Alker is in a share of 85th place, eight shots back from opening-round leader Andres Gonzales (-9).