After a record 25-under par total after 54 holes, Madison’s Steve Stricker held on to win the John Deere Classic for the second straight year. Stricker’s 1-under par 70 on Sunday saw him finish with a 26-under par 258, and still a record for the tournament.
Stricker beat Paul Goydos by two strokes. Goydos shot an opening round 59 on Thursday and finished with a 5-under par 66 on Sunday. He became just the second golfer in PGA Tour history to shoot a 59 and not win.
Stricker couldn’t do anything wrong during the first three rounds, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy.
AUDIO: Steve Stricker knew this one wouldn’t be easy :13
Jeff Maggert finished 3rd, 6-shots off the lead.
Stricker started the day with a 6-shot lead and increased it to 7 with a birdie on the first hole. But the rest of his final round was a battle. Goydos said you still have to tip your hat to Stricker.
AUDIO: Paul Goydos on finishing runnerup to Stricker :20
Stricker now takes the long trip to St. Andrews to play in this week’s British Open. He’ll sleep well with a little more green in his wallet.