The Starter, Round 2: John Deere Classic

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Jul. 9, 2010

The second round of the John Deere Classic tees off Friday. Here's a preview:

Groups We're Watching

Tee time	Players
7:28 a.m. ET, No. 10		Bubba Watson, Zach Johnson, Tim Clark Watson and Johnson had (relatively) OK days, but TPC Deere Run will yield low scores for the rest of the week.
7:38 a.m. ET No. 10		Steve Stricker, D.J. Trahan, Stuart Appleby Card a 60 and still trail by one? Ask Steve Stricker about it. Look for him to go low again on Friday.
12:09 p.m. ET, No. 10		Jonathan Byrd, Paul Goydos, Cliff Kresge How will "Mr. 59" respond to the history, the media barrage, and now the added pressure of winning?

MORE ROUND 2: Tee times | Inside the field | Inside the course

EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR NETWORK on-site correspondent Doug Bell previews Round 2:

Paul Goydos gets to sleep late on Friday morning and that's probably a good thing considering all the hoopla and attention he received after a mind-numbing 59 he produced during the opening round of the John Deere Classic.

The always jovial Goydos granted numerous interview requests from the local and national media on the scene, and for many others who asked to chat over the telephone throughout the day. I saw him with his feet propped up and a phone under his chin in the media room, hours after his record setting day. Now he'll try and do what many find very difficult, and that is to follow up a flawless round with another good one. There's a very good chance that by the time he gets to the course to get ready for his 12:09 tee time, he probably won't even be the leader.

Friday's forecast

Mostly sunny
Temp: 86 high/66 low
Chance of precipitation 20 percent. Winds from NNW at around 10 mph.

Steve Stricker -- who told me last night he never once thought of a 59 himself during Thursday's round of 60 -- goes off at 7:38 a.m. ET on Friday. Stricker is totally healthy for the first time in almost two months, having recovered from a clavical tear, and he looks that way -- swinging free and easy. He is considered one of the best putters in the world, and that reputation is on display again this week at the John Deere Classic. Stricker had a huge gallery following him during his opening round and should have many more in the gallery today. It's "Fighting Illini" day at the John Deere and fans of the Illini are encouraged to wear orange. Stricker will honor his alma mater by wearing the school colors himself. You can really feel the momentum in the Stricker camp this week!

Michael Letzig quietly put together a 64 in the opening round which was his best of the year on the PGA TOUR. Letzig credits his new driver, which he says make him feel like he can't miss a fairway. Letzig spent the first part of this season working on swing changes, and it appears that all the hard work is starting to pay off. Letzig, who set the alarm for 4:30 am ET on Thursday morning, says he welcomes the extra few hours he gets to sleep on Friday.

Jay Williamson continued his solid play at the John Deere with a 66, and says the biggest reason for his steady play seemingly every year here is the overall condition of TPC Deere Run. He considers it a 10 out of 10. That, and the soft conditions with little or no wind has made this course totally defenseless. Look for the birdie fest should continue today.

The Film Room

	Round 1 Highlights: John Deere Classic Paul Goydos joins the 59 club, but he only has a 1-shot lead over defending champion Steve Stricker after the first round. Watch it
	Shot of the Day, Round 1 Paul Goydos gets up-and-down for a 59 to race into the history books at the 18th hole in the opening round.Watch it
	Highlights: Stricker posts 60 in Round 1 Steve Stricker talks to Doug Bell of the PGA TOUR Network on SIRIUS XM Radio after he scorches TPC Deere Run with an 11-under 60 in Round 1.Watch it