Steve Stricker will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.
The 44-year-old American enjoyed a superb bogey-free 63 to improve his total two 20-under ahead of the final 18 holes, with Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge his nearest challenger having also shot an eight-under-par round on Saturday.
Stricker was quickly into his stride with three birdies over his opening four holes, and he added two more at the par-three seventh and par-four eighth to reach the turn in 30. The Wisconsin-born putter continued his good form after the turn by picking up another shot at the par-five 10th, and he capped off a fine display with further birdies at the par-four 14th and par-five 17th.
De Jonge, however, kept the American in his sights with an eight-under-par 63 of his own, thanks in no small part to an impressive front nine. The 30-year-old picked up five shots over his opening nine holes, including back-to-back birdies at both the second and third as well as fifth and sixth, as he also made the turn in just 30. De Jonge added four more on his inward nine but a bogey at the par-four 13th, the only black mark on his card, prevented him from heading into Sunday just one shot behind Stricker.
Overnight leader Chez Reavie is a shot further back on 17-under after shooting five birdies and two bogeys in a three-under-par 68, while Kyle Stanley is 16-under after a six-under-par 65. The next best players are on 13-under and will need a dramatic collapse on the final day from those above them on the leaderboard to have any chance of leaving Silvis with the title.
