Troy Matteson fired a sizzling 10-under par 61 to take a three shot lead after the opening day at the John Deere Classic near the Quad Cities. “We like making birdies, and I know the fans love seeing birdies, they like seeing eagles, they like seeing guys go for it and knock it close, and this golf course is about that. I think we enjoy that as much as the fans do,” Matteson says.
Steve Stricker is in the hunt as he bids for a fourth straight win at the Deere Classic. Stricker says he’s looking at an opportunity, which is fun, but there is pressure involved. He says he’s trying to downplay it to himself, and that may be working.
Zach Johnson had a three under 68 on the opening day of a tournament that serves as a homecoming for him. “I do feel comfortable, and it’s probably because I’ve had every outcome,” Johnson says. He says he’s had great support here not matter how well or how poorly he has played.
By Dave Meyer