If we've learned anything this season, it's that no lead on the PGA
TOUR is safe. Troy Matteson is three clear of the pack at 18 under
but still has one round to go on a course that will allow his
pursuers to get very aggressive. Steve Stricker (-15) will join
Matteson in the final pairing, looking to win his fourth
consecutive John Deere Classic. Ahead of them, and at 14 under,
will be Zach Johnson and Brian Harman. But there are plenty more
players who could get into the mix. After 54 holes at TPC Deere
Run, there were 26 players at 10 under or better. Here’s a
look at some players outside the final two pairings who could make
some noise on Sunday.
John Senden (-13): The 2006 champion hasn’t
made a bogey since his final hole on Thursday. Since then,
he’s racked up nine birdies and an eagle, shooting
consecutive 31s on the front nine. Another low-scoring front side
on Sunday could put him right in the mix down the stretch.
Jamie Lovemark (-12): No one needs a strong
showing this week as much as Lovemark, and he knows it. Nothing
less than a victory would allow the 24-year-old to keep his status
on TOUR though a high finish could net him conditional status for
the rest of 2012.
Scott Piercy (-12): Piercy is riding a streak of
12 consecutive under-par rounds at TPC Deere Run and has already
shown an ability to put together a stellar Sunday. At the
Transitions Championship, he closed with a 9-under 62 to slide into
a fifth-place tie.
Robert Garrigus (-11): The big-hitting Garrigus
has taken 28 or more putts in each of the first three rounds but
still finds himself just outside the top 10. If he makes just a
couple putts Sunday he could make a tremendous move.
Brendon de Jonge (-10): He’s tied for third
this week with 19 birdies but has offset many of them with seven
bogeys and one double. If he keeps the card clean Sunday, de Jonge
could be at 14 under, right in the mix, before the final groups
reach the first tee.