Stricker wins Deere for third straight year


Associated Press

SILVIS, Ill.

Steve Stricker sank a 25-foot putt from off the 18th green Sunday to win the John Deere Classic for the third straight year and put himself in one of golf’s most select groups.

The putt capped a roller coaster afternoon for Stricker, who led by five strokes when he made the turn, fell behind rookie Kyle Stanley by two shots on the back nine, then birdied the final two holes to close with a 2-under 69.

“It was an unbelievable week and an unbelievable finish,” Stricker said. “I still can’t believe I’m sitting here.”

Stricker became just the 10th golfer since World War II to win a tournament three straight times. He finished at 22-under 262 to beat Stanley by one stroke.

Matt McQuillan, who had missed the cut in his previous 10 tournaments, shot a 64 to tie Zach Johnson (65) for third at 17 under.

Charles Howell III (64) and Chez Reavie (72) were another stroke back.

With the victory, Stricker joined a small but noteworthy group of golfers who have won a tournament three year running.

The list reads like a Who’s Who’s of the game and includes Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Ben Hogan and Johnny Miller.

Woods has done it six times and Palmer twice.

“I kept telling myself that it’s not a big deal and it really wasn’t — until today,” Stricker said. “That back nine trying to win, it’s just really hard. I don’t know any other way to say it. It’s extremely hard to put it away.”

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