Cameron Young leads South Africa's Garrick Higgo at halfway mark of John Deere Classic

American Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after 36 holes of the John Deere Classic, while South African youngster Garrick Higgo is part of the chasing pack.

Young showcased his skills by shooting a remarkable seven-under par 64 in the second round at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

The 26-year-old American is still searching for his first PGA Tour title after coming in second place on six occasions over the past two years. Young's runner-up finishes without a victory are the most for any player in the last 40 years. His most recent second place came in March's WGC Match Play.

"It's really just a 'one foot in front of the other' kind of thing, executing the plan we've made for the week," Young said ahead of the weekend.

"If I can control my mind and stay in some control of my golf ball, hopefully I'll give myself a chance in a couple of days."

Tied for second place at a score of 131 were Higgo, as well as Americans Adam Schenk and Brendon Todd. Sweden's Ludvig Aberg followed closely behind at 132, joined by Americans Denny McCarthy, William Mouw, and Kevin Roy.

Meanwhile, Higgo, who began his back nine, started strongly with an eagle but finished with a bogey, falling two strokes behind Young after shooting a 66.

"I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I'm not going to change much," Higgo said. "It's good momentum going into the next couple weeks."

Another notable performance came from back-nine starter Jim Herman, who achieved a remarkable streak of seven consecutive birdies from the par-3 16th through the par-4 fourth holes on the way to a 63 and a tie for 10th place.

In contrast to his impressive opening round of 62, Sweden's Jonas Blixt struggled in the second round, posting a score of 73.