Spieth surges, but Thomas leads at John Deere Classic

“Just another round of golf”, he said afterwards.

Since 2009, Stricker hasn’t finished worse than T-11 at the John Deere Classic and in 2011, became the first player to win the event three consecutive times.

“Just a rusty round”, Spieth told reporters.

ESPN golf analyst Curtis odd, a two-time U.S. Open champion, applauded Spieth’s loyalty, adding in a conference call on Wednesday that it was important to stick to his routine.

Points says playing with Murray the day before the tournament tees off helps him keep loose.

Those who watched Spieth’s breakthrough on this Quad Cities course two years ago saw his potential first-hand. His most impressive effort might have been a chip from just off the 17th green in a gnarly lie that he coaxed to within 2 feet for birdie.

The 12th-ranked Walker shot a 5-under 65 to share third place with six others.

After opening with four straight pars Friday, Spieth finally got going with four birdies and an eagle over a remarkable seven-hole stretch.

Stricker underwent surgery for a bulging disc in late December. “I’m in a position where I have to come out (today) and be aggressive and make some of these putts and put up a low round”. The battle continued until Spieth said he couldn’t move his arm any longer.

“It was frustrating”, he said of his second round at the John Deere Classic. “It’s been a great way of life, you know, playing golf and chasing the PGA Tour around”. There was no chair or anything, but they had the belt, and just to see if we’d catch anything.

After his bogey on 8, he missed a 4-footer for birdie on 9, but by then he was firmly back in contention. “This was the third round I have played since the U.S. Open”.

“It’s unlucky, it’s unfortunate and I’m sure he’s taking it harder on himself than anybody else”, Spieth said. “I’ve felt like I’ve been close”. Yet, he’s fighting an uphill battle to retain his PGA Tour card.

It was Wagner’s best round at Deere Run, one where he hit all 14 fairways.

At eight under for the tournament in a tie for 11th, Alker trails the American Justin Thomas who leads by one stroke. He rebounded with a birdie at the 17th, however, to head into the weekend on a high.

Spieth’s decision to compete in Illinois, rather than the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open ahead of the showpiece at St Andrews has been questioned, as it is unlikely to prove ideal preparation for the Open.

The 25-year-old Dane suffered one of the most freakish injuries of recent years when he fell off a camel while on holiday with friends in Dubai last year, pulled a groin muscle, and was ruled out for two months. An early-evening storm packing strong winds, lightning and heavy rain pounded Lancaster Country Club.

Funk, Frost and Bryant played afternoon rounds.

Amy Yang was in the clubhouse a shot behind the leaders.