Ghim Leads John Deere Classic with 62 Strokes: Homa and Eckroat Lurk

In a day marked by low scores, Doug Ghim shone with a spectacular start at the John Deere Classic. Ghim, with an eagle on the 6th hole, completed an impeccable round without bogeys, signing an impressive 62 under par. Ghim positioned himself as the provisional leader, surpassing Max Homa and Austin Eckroat by one stroke at the TPC Deere Run. This course has proven to be conducive to low scores, with the winner reaching 20 under par or less in most recent editions.

Any player who reaches 20 under par or better will have a chance to win.

Doug Ghim

Ghim, with six years of experience on the PGA Tour and 160 professional appearances, knows that the tournament is a constant challenge. Despite the favorable conditions, the golfer did not underestimate the competition. In the afternoon, with a little more wind, several players shot a 65, including Cameron Champ and Brian Campbell. Aldrich Potgieter, from South Africa, also stayed in the fight, but a bogey on the 17th hole relegated him to a 67.

The John Deere Classic has historically been a springboard for new talent, with 24 first-time winners since 1970. Players like Davis Thompson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jordan Spieth have triumphed here in the past. Homa and Eckroat, seeking to regain their best form, also stood out. Homa, with a notable performance in the Ryder Cup, experienced a slump, while Eckroat, although with two victories in 2024, has had a complicated year. Eckroat achieved two eagles, demonstrating his potential. The competition was fierce, with 18 players matching or surpassing 65 and more than half the field under 70. Michael Kim and Sam Stevens, with a 64, also stood out. Kim, winner in 2018, seeks to improve his world ranking to secure his place in the British Open.