• John Deere Classic, Round Two

Goydos impresses again but Stricker steals lead

ESPN staff
July 9, 2010
Steve Stricker is searching for his first win since February © Getty Images
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Paul Goydos followed up his imperious opening round of 59 with a three-under 68 on the second day at the John Deere Classic, but his efforts were not enough to seize the tournament lead.

World No. 4 and defending champion Steve Stricker heads the field at 16 under, one stroke clear of Goydos and five in front of a three-strong group - Jeff Maggert, Matt Jones and George McNeill - in third.

After he became only the fourth man in PGA Tour history to record a sub-60 round, Goydos' subsequent efforts were always likely to pale in comparison.

Nonetheless, his five-birdie performance on Friday has set up what looks like a direct shootout with Stricker for title at the Illinois event.

Stricker has just one top-ten finish from his last seven outings, but his game appears to be clicking into gear in good time for the Open. He followed a superlative career-low 60 with a five-under 66 to leave him ideally poised to seal a first tournament success since February.

Elsewhere, Davis Love III kept his head above the cut line with a 67 that represented a significant improvement on the patchy 70 he signed for on Thursday.

Boo Weekley's unblemished 63, which peaked with a sublime eagle at 14, was the round of the day - and he is just about within touching distance of Stricker at nine under.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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