Stricker charges clear after new US 54-hole record

World No 4 Steve Stricker set the US PGA Tour's 54-hole record after firing a nine-under-par 62 at the John Deere Classic to charge six strokes clear heading into the final round.

Stricker, who shot a brilliant 60 in the opening round at the TPC Deere Run course in Silvis, Illinois, walked off with a 25-under total of 188, a stroke better than the previous three-round mark shared by John Cook, Mark Calcavecchia and Tommy Armour III.

"If I knew (what was going on], I would bottle this," Stricker said. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm trying to stay in the present.

"I've been putting the ball really well, and just try and get it on there in a good spot so I have a birdie putt. And I've given myself a lot of opportunities. I hit some great iron shots today at the kick-away distance, and that helps."

Paul Goydos, who posted the US Tour's fourth 59 to pip Stricker by a stroke in the first round, shot a competitive 67 but had to be content with lying a distant second tied with fellow American Jeff Maggert (63).