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REPORTING FROM SILVIS-IL

On Illini Day during round two it was Illini Alum Steve Stricker the three time winner of the John Deere Classic that came flying up the leaderboard early and had moved into second place. By the time the round was over Stricker had fallen into a T-6 but seemed to be right where he wanted to be, headed into Saturdays third round. After Stricker finished with the media, he returned to the driving range and put in an intense two hour practice session. One that included a bunch of swings with a 9-Iron. If there is one club that Stricker will hit well on Saturday, it’s a nine-iron. Bet on it. Stricker shot 65 in round two.

Iowa guy, and John Deere Classic board member Zach Johnson backed up his 8 under par 63 in round one, with a four under par 67 in round two. Johnson holds the lead along with William McGirt who at 35 is still looking for his first PGA Tour victory. While McGirt seemed surprised to be leading when he finished in the morning session, Johnson acted like he knew he was where he belonged.

Johnson the JDC winner in 2012, would have had his second JDC title last year if it wasn’t for whiz kid Jordan Spieth who beat Johnson in a playoff. Spieth shot his way back into the championship with a second round 64, that left him exactly where he was last year after 36 holes. Which was at 7 under par and only 5 shots back of the leaders.

Johnson spoke on how his putting felt great, and McGirt spoke about having no explanation on how he was so on fire with his putting for two straight rounds. McGirt has two second place finishes at the Canadian Open, so he can hang around. But can he finally win. Sticking around is exactly what Todd Hamilton is doing, the former British Open champion was under par again and with a 69 was T-6 in a group with Stricker.

There is a group of three players that sit one shot behind Johnson and McGirt. They include Johnson Wagner, Steven Bowditch and Brian Harman. Charles Howell III did hit the shot of the championship through the first two rounds, Howell recorded a hole-in-one on the par three 3rd hole.

NOTABLE NAMES.. Rory Sabbatini at -9, Spieth -7 (T-16), Luke Guthrie at -4 (T-35), Iowa’s Steve Ihm shot 65 to make the cut in his first event as a professional. Ihm is at 4 under par. (A) Jordan Niebrugge made the cut T-49 at three under par, he will be low amateur. Elmhurst’s Mark Wilson made the cut at -2.

Trunk Slammers: Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman and Illini alum D.A. Points.

Click here to hear interviews with Zach Johnson, William McGirt, and Steve Stricker.

Round three coverage tomorrow stay clicked in.