• John Deere Classic, Round One

Goydos shoots 59 in John Deere

Paul Goydos had a stunning day in the John Deere Classic © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Stricker clings on to John Deere title
  
• News: Stricker powers on in John Deere
  
• News: Goydos impresses again but Stricker steals lead
  

Paul Goydos became just the fourth player in PGA Tour history to card a 59 when tearing up the course in the first round of the John Deere Classic.

Goydos produced a blemish-free round of 12-under, with a stunning run of eight birdies in the final nine holes taking him clear of the chasing pack. The 46-year-old capped his round by stroking in a seven-foot putt on 18 to break the 60 barrier and he was fully aware of his achievement.

"It's almost a mythical number in our game," Goydos said after walking off the Deere Run course. "I've gone from clubbing a ball in the backyard all the way to the moon, and missed all the steps in between.

"Standing over that last putt, I was probably as nervous as I've ever been over a putt in my life. The putt would have gone in thimble."

Steve Stricker looked on course to emulate Goydos when hitting the birdie trail, but pars at 14 and 15 checked the momentum. He came home in birdie, birdie, birdie to post an 11-under 60.

David Duval was the man before Goydos to shoot the figure in 1999, with Chip Beck in 1991 and Al Geiberger in 1977 completing the quartet.

Duval was in the field and he had a fine day himself, as birdies on 15, 16 and 17 helped him post a four-under 67.

Davis Love III was handed a boost in midweek when earning a late call for next week's open, but he struggled to build momentum and had to settle for a one-under 70 - the same score as Rickie Fowler and Boo Weekley.

Brian Davis carded four birdies and a bogey in a three-under round of 68.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.