Rookies ruled the day in Thursday’s opening round of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open with Jhonattan Vegas and William McGirt emerging tied for the lead after matching 8-under 63s. Through the early portions of Friday’s second round, the theme remains the same while a new rookie has been cast for a leading role. Brendan Steele, who won last year’s season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island as well as this year’s Valero Texas Open on the PGA TOUR, has carded six birdies today and moved to 11 under, tied with Vegas atop the leaderboard. Steele started on the back nine, and is now 9 under on that side for the week. Vegas, who made 10 birdies Thursday en route to a share of the overnight lead, has just two through 11 holes Friday but also has an eagle from a greenside bunker on the drivable par-5 15th. Vegas (Bob Hope Classic) and Steele are two of six rookies who have won on the PGA TOUR this season. Both are looking to join Keegan Bradley as two-time rookie winners. McGirt is 1 under for the day and tied with Tim Herron, two shots behind the co-leaders.