SILVIS, Ill. — Based on the soggy greens and the occasional puddle on TPC Deere Run, it seemed unlikely any player would thrive in the golfing conditions.

But that’s just what Paul Goydos did Thursday in the opening round of the John Deere Classic, held in Silvis, Ill.

And for that matter, defending champion Steve Stricker did so as well.

Following Goydos’ uncharacteristic, yet stellar performance, the record books will need to be rewritten, not only for the Deere Classic but for the PGA, too.

The virtually unknown Goydos, 46, became only the fourth player in PGA history to shoot 59 in a single round, joining the ranks of Al Geiberger, Chip Beck, and David Duval, who is also competing in the Deere Classic.

Duval’s 59 came in the final round of the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

“[59 is] a mythical number in our game,” Goydos said. “To me, David Duval’s 59 stands out so far from every other one. He shot 59 the last day to win by one.

“Obviously, [59 is] a low number in our sport that just stands out.”

But it could have just as easily been Stricker posting a new course record. Stricker shot only one stroke above the unfathomable 59.

Going into the day’s back nine, Stricker had the better score by one stroke. As the psychological strains continued to test him, however, he failed to match Goydos’ birdies on holes 12 and 14.

Instead Stricker, settled for a two “measly” pars.

Goydos’ well-calibrated and consistent work on the green was a large part of his success. At one point, he shot five one-putts in a row. His longest putt was a 39-foot, 4-inch Hail Mary to save birdie on a par 4. He also putted eight-of-nine when within 10-feet of the hole.

Goydos said he has always been able to build momentum when putting well.

“I make one, I make two, I make three, I make four, I make five,” he said. “And that’s kind of the way it went today.”

The “mythical” 59 smashes the previous first-round tournament best, 62, shared by three players — Gene Sauers in 1988, Jose Coceres in 2004, and David Frost in 1992, who finished the event $180,000 richer and with a tournament championship. Frost returned the following year for a repeat championship run and another $180,000 in his pocket.

Seventeen years later, the victor stands to earn a whopping $792,000.

Goydos’ round of 59 — two strokes under the John Deere Classic’s previous record — is a strong start, but it’s far from a guaranteed tournament title.

Defending champion Stricker’s 60 proved his ability to answer the call of the challenger.

“I’m happy for [Goydos],” Stricker said. “My mindset was just to come out and try to get into the mid- to upper-60s.”

Despite Stricker’s and Goydos’ dominating showings, neither was able to separate themselves too far from the pack that followed. Just behind the leading duo emerged a three-way tie at 64 among Michael Letzig, Matt Jones, and Aaron Baddeley.

Letzig, a seven-year pro, has an explanation for the trend of low scores in the first round.

“The course is in perfect condition,” Letzig said. “It’s so soft, you know, it’s there for the taking. The greens are perfect, especially being the first group out this morning … you don’t have to play defensively into the greens.”

Weather permitting, the low scores should continue through the next three days, Stricker said.

Retired Bettendorf resident Gary Eichorn said he was thrilled at the opportunity to witness history.

Eichorn, who attends the Deere Classic every year, said his 15th year may be the best yet.

“It’s unbelievable to shoot that well at the John Deere Classic,” he said. “To shoot that well at the John Deere Classic adds to the prestige of the course and the venue we have.”