John Deere Classic: Second round highlights
While many of the big names in the field were seen falling on their faces in the second round of John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Chez Reavie went over with his unblemished second round score of nine-under, 62 to grab the halfway lead in the
tournament.
Reavie, who has been suffering psychological distraction over his newly operated knee for the past few months, finally decided to overcome his fears, and discovered, much to his pleasure, that all is not lost. Starting from an eagle on the second hole in
his front nine, he carded an overall nine birdies and dropped just two shots to lead the $4.5-million event by two strokes.
"The putter's been great," he said. "That's been the key. I saved some poor shots with good par putts and hit some good shots and made birdies. "It's always fun when you do that."
Reavie missed three cuts in his five appearances in the season so far and was visibly dejected with his poor form. He underwent a right knee surgery last year and did not play for the next eight months in order to allow the wound to heal. He equaled his
career low score of 62, which he made at the Crowne Plaza Invitational earlier in the season, and an aggregate of 14-under, 128 - his career best on the PGA Tour.
While Steve Marino continued with his fine form in the tournament, posting a second round score of five-under, 66, defending champion Steve Stricker also came back with a round of seven-under, 64 to move into contention for the top slot. Both players are
now tied for the second spot, two shots behind Reavie.
"I don't know what it is," Stricker said of his success on the course. "I've been putting real well here and seem to read the greens OK."
Marino, who has an opening round of seven-under, 64, pulled in another low round of five-under, 66 to remain in contention for the summit. He carded an eagle at par-five, 2nd and some four birdies to finish with an aggregate of 12-under, 130.
"Yesterday, the putter was really good." Marino said. "Today, I hit the ball great, hit a bunch of shots close to the hole and was able to make a few putts."
Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen failed to make the cut after his disappointing round of 68 on the second day. The 2009 Open champion, Stewart Cink also made an early exit after his lopsided second round of 67.
The big-hitting American John Daly, who always manages to get into the field at every PGA Tour event, was finally inching towards his first cut in his last seven appearances when he stumbled with some terrible late bogeys to close with an 81.
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