Worldwide Golf

STEVE Stricker moved up to No. 2 behind Tiger Woods in the FedExCup standings after claiming his second PGA TOUR title of the season at the John Deere Classic.

The tournament was hit by rain storms on the Friday causing the second round to be pushed back to Saturday with a mammoth 36-hole final on Sunday. But Stricker's spirit certainly wasn't dampened.  

Having opened with a 71 round the TPC Deere Run course, the Illinois native shot the round of his career with a course record equaling 10-under 61 in the second round before following with third-round 68 and a closing 64 to take the title by three strokes from local favourite Zach Johnson and Brandt Snedeker.

"It was a very long day and I'm ecstatic to be sitting here as the champion," said Stricker who finished 20-under 264 to claim the $774,000 winner's cheque. "I just tried to keep patient today and go about my game plan like I've been doing every other day. You know, it worked out. I hit a lot of good shots, putted well, and I'm very happy to be sitting here."

Johnson, who grew up just over an hour away in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is one of the tournament's directors, was delighted to record his highest ever finish in the event in front of hordes of adoring fans.  

"This place has really done a lot for me," he said. "John Deere gave me two sponsor's exemptions. Now, I'm on the board of the tournament. I come here because I love the golf course for sure, family, friends."