SILVIS, Ill. ( Associated Press) — JT Poston scored two back-nine bogeys with an eagle on a par-5 17, taking a three-stroke lead in John’s final round to shoot 4-under 67 on Saturday. Deere Classic.
Trying to complete a wire-to-wire victory after tying for the second week last week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, Poston made a 13 1/2-foot eagle putt on 17.
“It was kind of huge to go in yesterday,” Poston said of the eagle. “I wasn’t fast enough off the tee today and had to play a little defensive in some greens. It was nice to have two good swings in there to capitalize on the put and get back some of the ground I had lost.”
His total in the TPC Deere Run was 19 under 194.
Playing partner Denny McCarthy scored 66 runs in the final two holes to join Scott Stallings (64) and Emiliano Grillo (65) at 16-under.
“It was nice to end this way,” McCarthy said. “Good to put on 18. Nice to see something happen tomorrow. It’s a good feeling that I got something wrong while birding in the last two.”
Poston started with rounds of 62 and 65 to take a 4-stroke lead, then played a front nine at 3 under 3 with birdies at No 2, 5 and 8. -4 Got par-4 15th bogey before making big putts on 14th and 17th.
From Hickory, North Carolina, Poston, 29, won the 2019 Wyndham Championship for his lone PGA Tour title.
“Just trying to keep patience and composure,” Poston said. “I’m not trying to get too ahead of myself. Just trying to take it one hole at a time. Being in this position, I try to focus exclusively on my front shot. I have been and I can do what I can and go from there.”
Stalling Bird No. 15-17.
“Wait for the opportunity.” Stallings said. “Today was a big step in the right direction for tomorrow.”
Grillo birdied four of the last five.
“Everyone is in the same situation,” Grillo said. “Everybody wants to win. Everybody wants to make the most of it. There’s definitely going to be an uphill battle tomorrow.”
Iowa native Zach Johnson, the 2012 winner, was 8 under after 67 in his 20th consecutive start in the event. He also 17.
