On Moving Day at the John Deere Classic, howling winds and firm greens sent scores soaring, but defending champion Davis Thompson birdied the final two holes to take a one-shot lead into Sunday.

• The course finally fought back on Saturday. Howling winds and firm greens transformed TPC Deere Run from a birdie fest into a battle of attrition, with players grinding to survive the toughest conditions of the week.
• "It's got some teeth... it's not the typical John Deere," said Matt Kuchar, as the scoring average ballooned.
• Defending champion Davis Thompson thrived in the chaos, birdieing the final two holes for a 67 to take the solo lead. He says his "focus sharpens" when he's in contention.

• A stacked chase pack sits just one shot back, led by Max Homa, who is looking to break out of a season-long slump and feel the excitement of contention again.
• "Golf's been boring for me this year... I'm looking forward to having the butterflies," Homa said, setting the stage for a huge Sunday.
• He's joined by veteran David Lipsky, who is hunting for his first-ever PGA Tour victory, and the always-dangerous Emiliano Grillo and Brian Campbell.

36-hole leader Doug Ghim tumbles with a 74 • Amateur Jackson Koivun impresses at -11 • Rickie Fowler climbs to -9

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On July 5th, 2025, Doug Ghim held a slim one-shot lead at the John Deere Classic after a wild second round that saw a five-way tie for second place and the cut line fall to a blistering five-under par.

John Deere Classic: The Chase Pack

The leaderboard tightened into a track meet as a five-way tie for second place emerged, just one shot behind leader Doug Ghim. The group includes defending champ Davis Thompson, Max Homa, and local favorite Brian Campbell.

Defending champion Davis Thompson credited his morning tee time for his 8-under 63, saying he took advantage of the "fresher" greens with a "nonchalant" approach.

Max Homa feels his new swing is holding up under pressure, noting his consistency in the tougher afternoon conditions by stating, "I didn't hit one crazy shot today."

Leaderboard Movers & Shakers

While Doug Ghim battled to a gritty 3-under 68 to maintain his solo lead, others struggled to keep pace, including Austin Eckroat (71) and past champion Michael Kim, who shot 75 to miss the cut.

The scoring was so low that the cut line landed at a blistering five-under par, forcing players like Rickie Fowler to make the weekend on the number.

Taylor Montgomery made a key equipment change, switching away from the Titleist ProV1 he was using to "copy Scottie Scheffler" because it was creating too much spin.

Quick Hits

Camilo Villegas playing with heart for Mia's Miracles • Lucas Glover & amateur Jackson Koivun charge up the board • Local favorite Brian Campbell in the hunt at -11

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On July 4th, 2025, Illinois native Doug Ghim shot a nine-under 62 to take the solo lead after round one of the John Deere Classic, with Max Homa and Austin Eckroat just one shot back.

• Illinois native Doug Ghim fired a bogey-free 62 to take the solo lead at the John Deere Classic, highlighted by a walk-in eagle from 91 yards as he chases his first-ever PGA Tour victory.
• He called the low-scoring event a "track meet" and set a personal target of getting to twenty-four under par for the week.
• The Arlington Heights native is playing in front of a home-state crowd, adding extra pressure and support to his quest.

• Austin Eckroat and Max Homa sit just one shot back at eight-under. Eckroat is breaking a year-long slump with two eagles, while Homa fired his best opening round of the year with a new swing thought.
• Homa said he's in the "honeymoon phase" with a new feel to "slow down my legs" that he found just one day ago.
• Eckroat's hot start included two hole-outs for eagle in his first five holes, one from 137 yards out.

Rickie's back-nine 29 • Past champ Michael Kim lurking • Day & Potgieter struggle early

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