STUART APPLEBY understands the scrutiny that might come with shooting a 59 on a par-70 course.

Defending champion Steve Stricker and opening-day hero Paul Goydos were matching each other shot for shot as the leaders made the turn in the third round of the John Deere Classic in Illinois today.

Zach Johnson admitted he had got lucky after he shot a third-round 60 but still needed a play-off to successfully defend his title at the Valero Texas Open yesterday.

Luke Donald was left cursing his luck after failing to take the Sony Open in Hawaii into a play-off.