The Starter, Round 4: John Deere Classic

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Jul. 10, 2010
By PGA TOUR staff

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

Groups We're Watching

Tee time	Players
10:50 a.m. ET, No. 1		Steve Stricker, Jeff Maggert, Paul Goydos The tournament is Stricker's to win, but Goydos or Maggert would clinch a British Open spot with a 2nd behind him.
10:40 a.m. ET No. 1		Matt Jones, Shaun Micheel, Brendon de Jonge Should Goydos and Maggert falter, any of these three players would gain a spot in the Open as the top player not already in the field.
9:50 a.m. ET, No. 1		Tim Clark, Jason Day, Brett Quigley If you want a group outside the top 10 that could make their way into that group, see Clark and Day who both have two 66s in this tourney.

MORE ROUND 4: Tee times | Transcripts | Rd. 3 Notebook

EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR NETWORK on-site correspondent Doug Bell previews Round 4:

Tee times have been moved up for the final round of the John Deere Classic because of the threat of severe weather in the afternoon. Players will go off in threesomes from 8:45-10:45, which means Steve Stricker will have less time to cool off and he'll be on the course with everyone else. I think that will help him as he looks to continue his assault on the PGA TOUR record book and win back to back championships in Moline. Stricker, an adopted son of these loyal fans from the Quad Cities admits that he feels right at home here. He has birdied 27 out of 54 holes so far and was on the range again last night, working on things for today.

Sunday's forecast

Afternoon Thunderstorms
Temp: 86 high/68 low
Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Winds from SSW at around 15 mph.

Paul Goydos, played well himself on Saturday with a solid 67, missing only one green and one fairway. Assuming Stricker wins, Goydos would earn a spot in the British Open, if he can finish second. Always the dry wit, Goydos deadpanned after Saturday's round, that maybe he'll call Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin and have him tell Stricker he's not on the team. He said that's the only thing that might shake him.

Jeff Maggert is enjoying his best tourney of the year and Saturday's 63 was completely overshadowed by Stricker's 62. The 46-year-old is having lots of fun himself this week, and explained that even with a second place finish he will turn down a British Open invitation. Maggert says he already has plans with his family, and since he's played the British Open at St. Andrews twice already, he would pass and let someone else go. Of course, that's only if he finishes second.

Matt Jones and Shaun Micheel are playing well, and both looking to make it four straight rounds in the sixties. Micheel started playing well in Memphis, and he is completely healthy from a shoulder injury that nearly ended his career.

Kenny Perry tested a new Bobby Grace putter on Saturday, and it turned out to be his best putting day of the season, in route to a 65. Kenny, admitted it's been a struggle this year, trying to find the right putter, after the shaft broke on his favorite one at the start of the season. In fact, the SBS Championship in January is his only top ten of the season. He aims for his second tomorrow, while continuing to get momentum for next week's trip to St. Andrews. Speaking of big mo, it's clearly on the side of the man from Wisconsin.

INSTRUCTOR'S CORNER: Ed Brill, head instructor at TOUR Academy Hilton Head Island, analyzes the playing conditions this week:

Steve Stricker is re-writing the record books this week, which is very impressive considering Paul Goydos' 59 in the first round. It's also a good showing for the 40 something players as the 20- and 30-year-olds have been dominating this season. It's nice to see Darren Clarke leading over in Scotland, I think he qualifies as a 40-something also. The last few years the older guys have been making a statement and this year they could be making a run as the season gets into full swing.

Obviously, Steve Stricker is in some sort of zone right now. It's a great feeling, we've all been there to different degrees and you want to keep riding that wave. You don't need to over-think what your doing. Just keep going through your pre-shot routine and be confident that your hot streak is going to continue. You don't want to get too excited when playing well and, in the same manner, don't get too down when you have a bad round. Confidence may be the most important factor in golf, so even when having a tough time on the course, persevere and know that you are only one good swing away from that light bulb going on which could guide you for the rest of your round, for many rounds, or even a few weeks. Be confident and keep challenging yourself folks!

The Film Room

	Round 3 Highlights: John Deere Classic Steve Stricker mounted a birdie barrage Saturday, getting to 25-under, and commanding lead heading into Sunday's final round of the John Deere Classic. Watch it
	Shot of the Day, Round 3 Charlie Wi drains this 50ft birdie putt on the 15th hole during the third round of the 2010 John Deere Classic.. Watch it
	Interview: Shaun Micheel Bob Stevens of the PGA TOUR Network on SIRIUS XM Radio speaks to Shaun Micheel after he climbs up the leaderboard on the strength of a third round 63 at the 2010 John Deere Classic. Watch it