Patrick Rodgers shot a seven-under 64 on Friday to take a two-shot lead after the second round of the PGA Tour event in Illinois.
Rodgers had eight birdies and a bogey at TPC Deere Run to be 13-under after two rounds of the John Deere Classic.
Finishing on the front nine, he had five birdies in a seven-hole stretch before closing with a bogey.
"It was nice to keep making birdies and keep the gas pedal down," Rodgers, a 25-year-old who is winless on the PGA Tour, said.
Australia's contingent is led by veteran left-hander Greg Chalmers who fired a 68 to be five under and tied for 29th.
Cameron Percy (69) is at four under while Stuart Appleby made seven birdies in his five-under round of 66 to be in a tie for 55th at two under.
Australian quintet Curtis Luck, Geoff Ogilvy, Matt Jones, Brett Drewitt and Steven Bowditch will have the weekend off.
Bryson DeChambeau is alone in second at 11 under after a 65.
Local favourite Zach Johnson, the 2012 winner, had a 67 to join Charles Howell III, the co-leader after the first round, at 10 under. Howell followed his opening 63 with a 69.
Kevin Tway (63), Chesson Hadley (64), Chad Campbell (68) and J.J. Henry (64) were nine under.
Tway had nine birdies in a 10-hole stretch en route to the best round of the day.
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson shot a 70 to make the cut at three under, as did Davis Love III (68). Three-time tournament winner Steve Stricker (67) made the cut on the number at two under.
Defending champion Ryan Moore shot a 71 and missed the cut.
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