Parker McLachlin flirts with top 10 at John Deere Classic

It has been nearly 10 years since local golfer Parker McLachlin managed a top-10 finish in a PGA Tour event.

And while the weekend still awaits at the rain-delayed John Deere Classic played in Sylvis, Ill., McLachlin currently sits in the clubhouse tied for eighth after fashioning back-to-back 66s for a 10-under 132. He trails 36-hole leader Michael Kim by six shots. McLachlin tees it up today after the second round is completed.

“I’ve had a good first couple of days,” McLachlin said in a text message to the Star-Advertiser. “Need to keep making birdies on this course. Long way to go, but happy to have a chance to win this weekend.”

The UCLA graduate carded three birdies on the front and four more on the back, along with two bogeys for his second-round 66. He made three birdies in a row on the back nine, starting with a 37-footer at the par-4 11th that rattled in the left side of the cup. The 39-year-old Punahou product had a lost decade after winning the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open on Aug. 3, 2008, due in part to a swing change gone bad implemented by former Tiger Woods coach Sean Foley.

It was McLachlin’s last top-10 finish among four he has fashioned on tour in 124 events. He has earned nearly $2.9 million in his career, including $76,669 this season in six events. His best finish this year is a tie for 26th at the AT&T Byron Nelson that included a final-round 66. He pocketed $55,825 and improved his chances of qualifying for a tour event based in part on his past champion status.

“I’m in the past champions category … they fill the fields with my category,” he texted. “The more money I make, the higher I am in the category.”