Latest news with #DougGhim
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Doug Ghim Reaps Rewards With a Remarkable Round at John Deere Classic
Doug Ghim Reaps Rewards With a Remarkable Round at John Deere Classic originally appeared on Athlon Sports. You know that feeling you get when you are cheering for the underdog to prevail? That's exactly what I feel when watching golfers like Doug Ghim. For seven years, the 29-year-old from Illinois has been quietly putting in the work on the PGA Tour. He has been building a reputation as one of those guys you can't help but root for. And after Thursday's 62 in the opening round of the John Deere Classic, Ghim finds himself somewhere he's never been before: leading a PGA Tour event. Advertisement From Illinois to Augusta National Talk about a dream come true. Ghim's path to professional golf reads like something out of a sports movie. Growing up in Des Plaines and Arlington Heights, he was just another kid from the Chicago suburbs who fell in love with golf. After graduating from Buffalo Grove High School, he headed down to the University of Texas, where he really started getting noticed. And what a run he had as an amateur. We're talking about a guy who won the Ben Hogan Award as college golf's top player and earned low amateur honors at the Masters Tournament — you know, just casual stuff. That Masters appearance came after a heartbreaking runner-up finish at the 2017 U.S. Amateur, but honestly, what a way to announce yourself to the golf world. Ghim's amateur resume is stacked with victories at prestigious events and representing the U.S. at both the Palmer and Walker Cup matches. Then, of course, there was that week at Augusta National where he made multiple eagles and walked away with crystal goblets, the event reward for making an eagle. Those moments at Augusta were pure magic. Advertisement The Professional Reality Professional golf is tough. Really, really tough. Ghim's amateur success had everyone expecting fireworks once he turned pro, but the reality has been a slow burn thus far. Don't get me wrong, however — his journey has not been unimpressive at all. In 162 starts on tour, Ghim has been building something special. A runner-up finish at the 2024 Shriners Children's Open wasn't just a good week — it was validation that all those years of grinding were paying off. Sure, he's still chasing that first victory, but watching him get so close was genuinely exciting. This season has thrown some curveballs his way, with Ghim entering the John Deere Classic ranked No. 124 in the FedEx Cup standings. His best result came at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, where he tied for 11th. It's been one of those seasons where the breaks haven't always gone his way, but that's what makes Thursday's performance so special. Advertisement A Career-Best Round Sometimes the golf gods smile on you, and Thursday was one of those days for Ghim. His bogey-free 62 wasn't just a career-low round — it was seven years of hard work coming together in 18 beautiful holes. Playing in his sixth John Deere Classic, he finally found that magical something that every golfer spends their career chasing. There's something really special about Ghim taking the lead at the John Deere Classic. Historically, this event has always been marked by breakthrough moments and feel-good stories. With Ghim, you have a guy from Illinois playing in front of essentially his home crowd. Advertisement You can just feel the poetry setting up for something special this week, can't you? This tournament simply loves crowning first-time winners, and Ghim couldn't fit the bill any better. The Grinder's Path Ghim's story is compelling because of his authenticity. In a world where young players sometimes seem to come out of nowhere, claiming multiple victories, Ghim represents something different. He is an example of persistence and steady improvement. He's the guy who shows up every week and just keeps working, regardless of where his game may be at. His background adds another layer to his story that makes you want to cheer even louder. As a Korean American player who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, Ghim represents the changing face of professional golf in the best possible way. His journey from Buffalo Grove High School to the PGA Tour shows what's possible when talent meets determination, and his success would mean so much to communities that don't always see themselves represented at golf's highest level. Advertisement The Moment of Truth With three rounds left at TPC Deere Run, Ghim has the chance to rewrite his story completely. Yes, there will be pressure — that's inevitable. And yes, this season has been challenging, with tour status implications hanging in the balance. But here's what Thursday's 62 tells us: Doug Ghim is ready. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that unfold a little more slowly. And if Thursday was any indication, Ghim's story might just be getting to the good part. Related: The Soul of American Golf: A Journey Through the Game's Heart and Heritage Related: Justin Thomas Has Big Ideas for What Should Come Next in Golf Related: Keegan Bradley's 2025 Ryder Cup Vice Captains Could Deliver Victory to US This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Arab News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Davis Thompson makes late birdie to break out of a logjam and lead John Deere
SILVIS, Illinois:Davis Thompson made a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Saturday to break out of a logjam that at one point featured 10 players tied for the lead, giving him a 4-under 67 on a much tougher golf course and a one-shot lead in the John Deere Classic. Thompson was among five players tied for the lead when he stood over his final putt, after Brian Campbell had just holed a 30-foot birdie putt. His final birdie put him at 15-under 198, one shot ahead of Campbell, Max Homa, Emiliano Grillo and David Lipsky, each of whom had a 68. About the only player not in the mix was 36-hole leader Doug Ghim, who played his last 10 holes with two bogeys and no birdies and shot 74, pushing him outside the top 20. Thompson had a birdie-birdie finish, though he missed an 8-foot eagle attempt on the par-5 17th hole. He will try to become the first player to win back-to-back at the John Deere Classic since Steve Stricker won three in a row from 2009 through 2011. Also at stake for Thompson is a chance to get into the British Open, as a victory would move him to the top of the alternate list determined by the next world ranking. But the final 18 holes feels a lot longer off considering how many players are very much in the mix going into Sunday. 'Nice to have some momentum going into tomorrow,' Thompson said. Camilo Villegas (69) and Austin Eckroat (67) were among four players three shots behind. Matt Kuchar (67) and Auburn junior Jackson Koivun were in the group four back. Thirteen players were within four shots of the lead. Of the top 14 players, only Lipsky, Koivun and Kevin Roy have yet to win on the PGA Tour. Homa is the most proven of the lot, though he has been trying to pull himself out of a deep slump that has left him on the outside of just trying to make the PGA Tour playoffs this year. Homa was steady again, even after one of his rare misses. He was some 40 yards left of the green at the par-5 10th, even going across the road, but managed to escape with par and then took advantage of the scoring holes on the back nine for his 68. Homa last won on the PGA Tour in January 2023 at Torrey Pines. He has been under scrutiny this year for his poor form — more than a year since his last top 10 — while changing coaches, equipment and twice changing caddies. 'Golf has just been very boring for me this year. I haven't had a whole lot of stress, and you want to be stressed out. So I look forward to the butterflies in the morning; I look forward to the first tee shot,' Homa said. 'It's just nice to get to feel that again. It's been a while.' This was not the same TPC Deere Run that yielded low scores over the opening two rounds. The starting times were moved up to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and hot weather and wind combined to make the greens firmer and fasters. Plus, several of the pins were tucked along the edges, punishing misses on the wrong side. No one shot lower than 66 in the third round. There were 28 scores of 65 or better over the opening two rounds. 'Certainly makes for a fun Sunday when a bunch of guys have a chance,' Kuchar said. One of them is Koivun, still four shots back but with a chance to make it two years in a row with an amateur winning on the PGA Tour. Nick Dunlap won The American Express last year in January and left Alabama to turn pro, having $20 million signature events to play. Koivun already is assured a PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour University accelerated program, but is deferring that to return to Auburn. 'It's obviously very inspiring to see what he did about a year ago now,' Koivun said. 'Obviously, to be one of the few (amateurs) to win a professional event would be great. At the end of the day I just got to go give it my best shot and be happy with the result.'
Associated Press
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Davis Thompson makes late birdie to break out of a logjam and lead John Deere
SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Davis Thompson made a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Saturday to break out of a logjam that at one point featured 10 players tied for the lead, giving him a 4-under 67 on a much tougher golf course and a one-shot lead in the John Deere Classic. Thompson was among five players tied for the lead when he stood over his final putt, after Brian Campbell had just holed a 30-foot birdie putt. His final birdie put him at 15-under 198, one shot ahead of Campbell, Max Homa, Emiliano Grillo and David Lipsky, each of whom had a 68. About the only player not in the mix was 36-hole leader Doug Ghim, who played his last 10 holes with two bogeys and no birdies and shot 74, pushing him outside the top 20. Thompson had a birdie-birdie finish, though he missed an 8-foot eagle attempt on the par-5 17th hole. He will try to become the first player to win back-to-back at the John Deere Classic since Steve Stricker won three in a row from 2009 through 2011. Also at stake for Thompson is a chance to get into the British Open, as a victory would move him to the top of the alternate list determined by the next world ranking. But the final 18 holes feels a lot longer off considering how many players are very much in the mix going into Sunday. 'Nice to have some momentum going into tomorrow,' Thompson said. Camilo Villegas (69) and Austin Eckroat (67) were among four players three shots behind. Matt Kuchar (67) and Auburn junior Jackson Koivun were in the group four back. Thirteen players were within four shots of the lead. Of the top 14 players, only Lipsky, Koivun and Kevin Roy have yet to win on the PGA Tour. Homa is the most proven of the lot, though he has been trying to pull himself out of a deep slump that has left him on the outside of just trying to make the PGA Tour playoffs this year. Homa was steady again, even after one of his rare misses. He was some 40 yards left of the green at the par-5 10th, even going across the road, but managed to escape with par and then took advantage of the scoring holes on the back nine for his 68. Homa last won on the PGA Tour in January 2023 at Torrey Pines. He has been under scrutiny this year for his poor form — more than a year since his last top 10 — while changing coaches, equipment and twice changing caddies. 'Golf has just been very boring for me this year. I haven't had a whole lot of stress, and you want to be stressed out. So I look forward to the butterflies in the morning; I look forward to the first tee shot,' Homa said. 'It's just nice to get to feel that again. It's been a while.' This was not the same TPC Deere Run that yielded low scores over the opening two rounds. The starting times were moved up to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and hot weather and wind combined to make the greens firmer and fasters. Plus, several of the pins were tucked along the edges, punishing misses on the wrong side. No one shot lower than 66 in the third round. There were 28 scores of 65 or better over the opening two rounds. 'Certainly makes for a fun Sunday when a bunch of guys have a chance,' Kuchar said. One of them is Koivun, still four shots back but with a chance to make it two years in a row with an amateur winning on the PGA Tour. Nick Dunlap won The American Express last year in January and left Alabama to turn pro, having $20 million signature events to play. Koivun already is assured a PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour University accelerated program, but is deferring that to return to Auburn. 'It's obviously very inspiring to see what he did about a year ago now,' Koivun said. 'Obviously, to be one of the few (amateurs) to win a professional event would be great. At the end of the day I just got to go give it my best shot and be happy with the result.' ___ AP golf:
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Doug Ghim clings to one-shot lead at John Deere Classic
SILVIS, Illinois: Doug Ghim shot a 3-under par 68 and held onto a one-stroke lead over Max Homa and a group of contenders at the John Deere Classic on Friday in Silvis, Illinois Homa is part of a five-way tie for second after also posting a 68 late Friday afternoon at TPC Deere Run. He matched Ghim at 12 under with a birdie at the par-5 17th hole, but after finding a bunker off the 18th tee he failed to save par and dropped back a shot. Ghim, a 29-year-old Illinois native, is hoping to land his maiden PGA Tour victory in his home state. 'They couldn't make it today but I'm anticipating family coming (Saturday), and I'm excited about that,' Ghim said. Ghim made an eagle for the second straight round, holing out from 179 yards away at the par-4 15th. 'I guess holing out two days in a row is always nice,' he said. 'It's been couple years since I think I holed out from the fairway. To get two back-to- back days is a great.' He reached 13 under for the tournament with back-to-back birdies at Nos. 4-5, but Ghim bogeyed his closing hole, No. 9. Homa entered the week an abysmal No. 122 in the FedEx Cup standings amid a disappointing season, but now he's in the mix for his first win since 2023. 'I don't think really much changes' on the weekend, Homa said. 'I mean, just play the golf course. You're going to have to shoot really low. If you went out there and tried to do something specific, I'm not so sure that is going to work. Somebody can go out there and shoot 11-under out there and jump everybody. 'So just go do what we did today and play another round of golf. Just keep waiting until the back nine on Sunday basically.' The round of the day belonged to defending champion Davis Thompson, whose bogey-free 63 catapulted him to 11 under. Tied with Homa and Thompson are Brian Campbell (66), David Lipsky (67) and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo (66). '(On Thursday) I hit a lot of great putts early but they were just burning the edges,' said Thompson, who made four birdies on each nine Friday. 'Then I was able to make a few on the back nine (Thursday) and just ride that momentum into today.' Colombia's Camilo Villegas (66) and Si Woo Kim of South Korea (67) are part of a group at 10 under as the second round finished up late Friday. Rickie Fowler dropped four shots in a four-hole span on his back nine, with two bogeys and a double bogey, but he birdied No. 17 to finish up a 1-over 72 and get to 5 under, which wound up being the cut line at the end of the day. Notable names who missed the cut included Tom Kim of South Korea (4 under), Australian Jason Day (2 under), J.T. Poston (1 under) and Canadian Adam Hadwin (2 over).
Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Doug Ghim maintains one-shot lead at PGA's John Deere Classic
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Doug Ghim tees off on the first hole during the second round of the John Deere Classic. WASHINGTON – Doug Ghim holed out from the fairway for an eagle for the second straight day on July 4, adding three birdies in a three-under 68 to maintain a one-shot lead in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic. 'I guess holing out two days in a row is always nice,' said Ghim, who also chipped in for a birdie on the way to a 12-under total of 130 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. 'It's been a couple years since I think I holed out from the fairway. To get two (on) back-to-back days is great.' He had teed off on 10 and opened with a birdie, but gave the stroke back with a three-putt bogey at the 12th. He said the hole-out eagle was especially welcome at 15th, 'not the easiest of the holes out here'. 'It just felt like a huge, huge boost so it helped me stay more patient because something good happened to me there,' he added. Ghim, a 29-year-old hoping he can become the 25th player to claim a first tour title at this event, had five players on his heels at 11-under 131. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore CPF members can make housing, retirement and health insurance plans with new digital platform Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival Asia Magnitude 5.4 quake shakes south-western Japan islands as temblors continue Singapore Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership Life 'I applied to over 300 jobs': What people wish they knew before they got laid off Asia Dream wheels, Malaysian deals: Singaporean car lovers find affordable indulgence across the border Asia How a Singaporean heatproofs himself to cope with 40 deg C summer in Chongqing That included defending champion Davis Thompson, who had eight birdies in his eight-under 63, and US veteran Max Homa – who started the day one back and posted a three-under 68 to stay there. Argentina's Emiliano Grillo and Americans Brian Campbell and David Lipsky were also at 11-under. Another six players were a further stroke back on 132 going into the third round. 'The leaderboard is so bunched,' Ghim said. '(I will) just kind of keep my head down and try to birdie some par-fives and roll in a couple more 15-footers.' Former world No. 8 Homa was tied for the lead after rolling in a 20-foot birdie putt at the 17th, but as on the first day he bogeyed his final hole, finding a fairway bunker off the tee at 18. 'It got really windy,' said Homa, a six-time winner on the PGA Tour who has had just one top-25 finish this season. 'The greens got pretty crusty. It's just nice to keep playing well. 'It's definitely the best 36 holes off the tee I've had in a while consecutively, so that's nice.' Campbell shook off an early bogey to post six birdies, including four in a row on the back nine on the way to a five-under 66. Grillo also posted a 66 and Lipsky signed for a 67. AFP
