• John Deere Classic, Round Four

Stricker clings on to John Deere title

ESPN staff
July 11, 2010
Steve Stricker
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Steve Stricker held off a determined challenge from Paul Goydos to defend his title at the John Deere Classic and claim his second title of the season.

The world No. 4, who won the Northern Trust Open in February, fired a one-under 70 to hold on for a two-shot victory on 26-under par after leading by seven strokes. After setting an impressive 54-hole PGA Tour record on Saturday, Stricker failed to reproduce the golf that saw him snatch a six-stroke lead.

Goydos, who shot a stunning 59 on the opening round, battled all the way but came out two-shots short on 24-under after he hit the water on the final hole.

Stricker holed a birdie on the 17th to give himself breathing room, his 31st birdie of the week, a tournament record. Goydos was forced to settle for second, but will be consoled by securing his ticket to next weekend's Open Championship at St Andrews.

"Strick was hard to catch," Goydos said. "I kept pushing, chipping, grinding, but that putt he made on 17 was a world class putt."

Jeff Maggert's one-under 70 was enough for third place, six strokes behind the leader, but the round of the day belonged to Charley Hoffman, who carded a flawless six-under 65 to move up to seventh.

England's Brian Davis recovered from back-to-back bogeys on the front nine, but could only manage a one-over 72.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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