Steve Stricker on the course, but Troy Matteson fires all guns blazing
Steve Stricker had a solid opening in a bid to defend his title. He is currently the three-time in a row defending champion at John Deere Classic.
Stricker is looking to write his name in history books by winning the same event four years in a row. If he succeeds in doing that then he will be the fifth man to achieve such a feat.
Steve shot 6-under 65 on the first day in Illinois but the highlight of the day came from Troy Matteson, who blitzed through the course, firing a 10-under 61 in the first round.
Matteson had a flawless first round which included 10 birdies. Matteson currently enjoys a three-shot lead over Ricky Barnes.
Matteson was extremely jubilant after his first round display. He said, “It was a pretty special day, I did not think it was going to be 10-under, but definitely thought it was going to be good”.
Matteson’s putting was sublime, to be successful at the TPC Deere Run one must have good putting skills and that is what made the difference at the end of day. Matteson made some very difficult putts.
He was very happy that he made some excellent putts because not long ago, he was struggling with his putting. He said, “I have been playing pretty well, just not making a lot putts. I made a couple putts that were really, really difficult, and I had a bunch
of other really, really good looks”.
On the other hand, Steve had a relatively slow start to the first round but a blitz on the back nine helped him recover pretty well in the end. His blitz on the back nine included a few birdies and an eagle as well.
"It was a slow start, really a little bit out of sorts to start with," Stricker said. Stricker has been feeling the heat of expectations. He was just a touch nervous initially but regained his rhythm towards the end.
"I am looking at it as an opportunity. It is fun, but there is pressure involved," said Stricker after his first round.
Being a three-time defending champion and looking to make history, obviously all kinds of things start coming in the head but one has to ignore them and focus purely on golf.
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