Nathan has made a better start at this week's John Deere Classic than has been the case in his last few events, his opening round of three under 68 having him well placed as the tournament enters day two.

Nathan's first birdie came at the par five 2nd after all but holing his third from the greenside trap. He missed a good chance at the next but then at the 4th it was all he could do to scramble a bogey. He holed a twenty footer at the 5th and then all but holed his approach at the 8th to pick up another birdie.

After pulling his approach into the greenside trap at the 9th he dropped a shot to turn in one under. He hit most greens over the next few holes although no real chances presented themselves until the 16th where he holed for birdie from 15 feet and then at the 17th he got up and down from the greenside bunker at the par five to move to three under for the day.

As play drew to a close the leaders were at seven under but at three under Nathan was inside the top 15. He will have an afternoon time on day two..

photo PGA Tour/WireImage 

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