The John Deere Classic opened on Thursday in Silvis, Ill., with Steve Stricker looking for his fourth straight win at the historic British Open tune-up. Like most of the field at TPC Deere Run, Stricker is under par as he wraps up his first round. The Wisconsin native is 5-under through 15 holes, buoyed by an eagle at the par-4 14th hole. It was an incredible hole-out on his approach shot, adding to his lengthy highlight reel at a course he’s owned.
John Deere Classic 2012: Troy Matteson Leads By 2 Shots, Steve Stricker Moving Up On Back 9
But Stricker is still four shots back of leader Troy Matteson, who is setting a blistering pace at 9-under through his first 16 holes. This event always yields some of the lowest scores of the season. Paul Goydos became just the fourth player in PGA Tour history to card a 59 when he lit it up here on Thursday’s first round in 2010. Matteson looked like he might make a run at 60, but is now running out of holes on the back side. He went out in 31 and has yet to make a bogey, good enough for a two-shot lead over Ben Crane and Ricky Barnes.
For a complete live leaderboard from the John Deere, visit Golf.com.
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