Doug Ghim showcased remarkable skill at the John Deere Classic, holing out from the fairway for an eagle for the second consecutive day. This impressive feat helped him maintain his lead at the halfway point of the tournament. Ghim’s three-under second round of 68 elevated him to 12 under par, marking his first 36-hole lead in his six-year PGA Tour career. Heading into the weekend, he is just one shot ahead of a formidable chasing pack that includes defending champion Davis Thompson and Max Homa.
The American golfer’s prowess was on full display when he holed out on the short par-four sixth in the opening round, followed by a stunning shot from 179 yards on the par-four 15th. “I guess holing out two days in a row is always nice,” Ghim commented. “It’s been a couple years since I holed out from the fairway. To get two back-to-back days is great.”
Chasing Pack and Competitive Field
Despite a two-shot lead, Ghim’s round concluded with a bogey on the par-four ninth, where he hit left into the trees and down a cart path, ultimately missing an 18-foot putt. With Saturday’s start times advanced due to forecasted rain, the competition remains fierce. Mexico Open winner Brian Campbell, David Lipsky, and Emiliano Grillo are tied with Thompson and Homa for second place.
Ghim remains cautious about his prospects, acknowledging the historical significance of the John Deere Classic as a breeding ground for first-time winners. “The person that’s going to win this tournament will be in the 20-under-par area, so last time I checked I’m not there yet,” Ghim stated. “I don’t feel like I’m in the lead, and I’m just happy that I get to be teeing off late tomorrow in contention.”
Historical Context and Implications
The John Deere Classic has a rich history of producing first-time winners, more than any other PGA Tour event since 1970. This year, the tournament is setting up for another thrilling finish, with 12 players separated by just two shots going into the third round. Among them are notable names like Camilo Villegas, Sam Stevens, and Si Woo Kim, who are also vying for higher world rankings to secure spots in upcoming major events.
Max Homa, who was tied with Ghim late in the afternoon, faced challenges on the 18th hole, pulling his tee shot into a bunker and missing a critical 12-foot par putt. “You’re going to have to shoot really low,” Homa remarked. “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.”
Drama and Cut Line Dynamics
The tournament’s cut line saw dramatic shifts late in the day. Rikuya Hoshino and Jesper Svensson each birdied their last hole to push the cut to five under, only for Paul Peterson’s bogey to bring it back to four under. However, Brendan Valdes’ birdie on the 18th ultimately set the cut at five under, eliminating 14 players from the weekend.
Rickie Fowler and Jake Knapp narrowly made the cut, highlighting the intense competition and the fine margins that define professional golf. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the leaderboard, with several players poised to make a decisive move.
Coverage of the third round continues live on Sky Sports Golf, offering fans an opportunity to witness the unfolding drama as players vie for the coveted title.
