American Goydos carded 28 on the back nine

American Paul Goydos became the fourth golfer in PGA Tour history to shoot a 59 in the first round of the John Deere Classic in Illinois.

The 46-year-old carded 12 birdies to finish the day 12 under par, one ahead of fellow American Steve Stricker.

"It's almost a mythical number in our game," said the Californian. "I've gone from clubbing a ball in the backyard all the way to the moon."

David Duval, Chip Beck and Al Geiberger are the other players to have made 59.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Goydos's achievement?

Phil Mickelson fired in a 59 during the 2004 PGA Grand Slam of Golf but his score did not count in the record books because the competition was not an official event.

Goydos's eight-under 28 on the back nine matched the lowest nine-hole score in relation to par in PGA Tour history.

American Corey Pavin recorded eight-under 26 in the first round of the 2006 US Bank Championship in Milwaukee.

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