The Loop

Goydos' 59 remains fresh in his mind

July 06, 2011

SILVIS, Ill. -- A year after his opening-round 59 at the 2010 John Deere Classic, Paul Goydos was asked what he learned from that round. "I know I need to practice," he deadpanned.

Not surprisingly, the bulk of Goydos' pre-tournament presser at TPC Deere Run Tuesday revolved around his iconic round -- one of just five 59s shot during competition on the PGA Tour. "I thought it was a big deal individually for me; wow, cool thing I did," said Goydos. "I was not ready for the national story that it became quite frankly. I really didn't think it would be that big of a deal. I was wrong."

Indeed. Goydos' achievement had him on a steady stream of radio, television and magazine interviews, including one from GQ. It was, he said, his most memorable round.

"I look back at my final round of Bay Hill when I won, and the final round at Sony when I won, and [those are] starting to dissipate," said Goydos. "I can remember pretty much what I did on every hole but not as clearly. The 59 I can remember my mood on the third tee. It definitely is a clearer day, and I think that's surprising. I really thought that winning is really everything out here, but right now that round is much clearer in my head."

This week he's sure to be reminded of it enough where it won't lose clarity any time soon.

-- E. Michael Johnson