Doug Ghim leads John Deere as Max Homa, Rickie Fowler also go low

Arab News

04-07-2025

SILVIS, Illinois: Doug Ghim made an eagle from the sixth fairway en route to a bogey-free, 9-under par 62 on Thursday to set the firs round lead at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois
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Ghim made four of his seven birdies on the inward nine at TPC Deere Run to head to the clubhouse with a one-shot lead over Max Homa and Austin Eckroat. There have been nine first-time winners on the PGA Tour this season, and Ghim, a 29-year-old native of Illinois, is trying to become the 10th.
'Obviously any win on the PGA Tour is amazing. To do it here would be awesome,' Ghim said. 'There is a lot of golf to be played and I probably won't even be leading by the end of the day. We'll see.'
Ghim chipped in for birdie at the opening hole and was 2 under through two before arriving at the short par-4 sixth hole. He had a 91-yard shot to the front pin location and played it perfectly to card an eagle 2.
'There are times like earlier in my career that you try to go out and shoot a 62,' Ghim said. 'Not to say that we're not trying to shoot 62 every day, but you kind of have it let to come to you.'
Homa had his best round of 2025 after struggling with his game throughout the first six months of the season. He was in line for a 62 of his own before making his only bogey at his last hole, the par-4 ninth.
'I just did everything really solid. I made a ton of putts. Kept the driver in good spots,' said Homa, who has been balky off the tee this season but hit 10 of 14 fairways in regulation Thursday. 'Got to take advantage of my iron play, my wedge play.
'Always feels good to get off to a good start when you're struggling, that's for sure.'
Eckroat eagled two of his first five holes, first sinking an 11-foot putt at the par-5 second and then holing out from 137 yards at the fifth. Eckroat was proud that he didn't get too far ahead of himself.
'It was a little too early to go nuts, but it was still — threw my hands up in the air. Had fun,' he said. 'If it was late on Sunday, probably been more of a reaction for sure.'
Four players were tied at 7-under 64: David Lipsky, Sam Stevens, Justin Lower and past John Deere champion Michael Kim.
Rickie Fowler posted a 6-under 65 that featured a 29 on his second nine, the front nine. He eagled No. 2 from 103 yards out and added three straight birdies at Nos. 5-7. He was part of a large tie that included Matt Kuchar, Si Woo Kim of South Korea and Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.
Defending champ Davis Thompson opened with a 3-under 68. Australian Jason Day struggled to a 3-over 74.