Kenny Perry, the American star who has turned down a place in The Open this coming week, hailed his “best year ever” after taking his third win in seven weeks last night.

Brad Adamonis, Eric Axley and Kenny Perry were tied for the lead after the third round of the John Deere Classic as Englishman Brian Davis slipped off the pace.

Will MacKenzie surged to the top of the leaderboard with a seven-under 64 during the second round at the £2m (€2.5m) John Deere Classic in Illinois.

Steve Lowery shot a six-under-par 64 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Travelers Championship on Thursday.