Silvis, IL (Sports Network) - Troy Matteson shot a 10-under 61 on Thursday to build a 3-stroke lead after the first round of the John Deere Classic.

While Matteson is well ahead of the field, three-time defending champion Steve Stricker is lurking near the top of the leaderboard as he pursues another title at TPC Deere Run.

He'll have to catch Matteson, who is in search of his first PGA title since the 2009 Frys.com Open. He has made the cut in just 10 of 21 starts this year, and is coming off a tie for 56th at last week's Greenbrier Classic.

Ricky Barnes is alone in second place after carding a 7-under 64, while Stricker is tied for third at minus-6. He shot a 65, along with Robert Garrigus, Scott Piercy, K.J. Choi, Brian Harman, Luke Guthrie and Gary Christian.

MORE TO FOLLOW.

07/12 20:45:31 ET