Stricker coasts to two-shot win in John Deere Classic
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World number four Stricker, whose 54-hole total of 25-under-par 188 set a U.S. PGA Tour record, finished on 26-under 258 at the par-71 TPC Deere Run course in Silvis, Illinois.
Fellow-American Paul Goydos, who fired a 59, only the fourth ever registered on the U.S. Tour, to Stricker's 60 in the opening round, shot 66 to finish second on 260.
Goydos got a special consolation prize. As the top player among the top-five finishers not already eligible, he received an exemption into the field for the British Open at St. Andrews.
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American Jeff Maggert (70) was third on 264, one stroke better than compatriot Shaun Micheel, who closed with 67.
Australian Matt Jones was another shot adrift after finishing with a 70.
The victory was Stricker's ninth career win on the U.S. Tour and his second this season following his triumph at the Northern Trust Open.
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(Writing by Larry Fine in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, Editing by John Mehaffey)