In search of his first PGA TOUR victory since turning pro seven years ago, Illinois native Doug Ghim takes a one-shot lead into the weekend at the John Deere Classic.
29-year-old Ghim padded his opening round lead by carding a 68 on Friday and is 12-under after 36 holes.
“It’s just the halfway point. There are so many good players. I believe we’re teeing off earlier tomorrow, so the scoring conditions might be a little bit better than today, although I think it’s still going to blow tomorrow,” Ghim said. The leaderboard is so bunched. I’m still chasing because 20-something-under is probably going to win. Just kind of keep my head down and try to birdie some par-5s and roll in a couple more 15-footers.”
Defending Champion Davis Thompson is one of five players tied for second at 11-under after firing a bogey-free 63 Friday on the par-71 TPC Deere Run. He’s joined by Max Homa, Brian Campbell, David Lipsky, and Emiliano Grillo.
26-year-old Thompson is seeking his second PGA TOUR victory while trying to become the first repeat winner of this event since Steve Stricker’s legendary three-peat from 2009-11.
“Just felt like I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. It was a pretty stress-free round today with the exception of No. 6. Yeah, even on 14 I was in kind of an awkward position and was able to hit a really good pitch and make birdie there,” Thompson said. “I feel like I love tree-lined golf courses and there are a lot of trees out here. I love bent grass greens and that’s kind of good recipe for me. Yeah, hopefully I can keep it rolling this weekend.”
Several seasoned players made certain their presence was felt in round two. Camilo Villegas fired a pair of 66s on Thursday and Friday to move to minus 10 in a pack two shots off the lead. The 43-year-old Colombian aims to give younger players a run for their money on the weekend.
“It’s just life, man. I was one of them, too, back in the day. But it goes quick, so to all those youngsters, enjoy it. I’ve been fortunate to play out here for 24 years or play as a pro for 22 years I guess,” Villegas said. “I feel good. I work on my body. I work on my nutrition, flexibility and stuff. Yes, the game has changed. There’s guys that are ripping it, hitting it very, very far. You try to keep up when it comes to that, but you try to just use your experience and then play some good golf out there.”
Lucas Glover, who is 45, won this tournament in 2021. He began this year’s tournament 1-over par on Thursday, but bounced back with a 7-under par performance. At 6-under par, Glover extends his stay in the Quad Cities, as does Rickie Fowler, who is minus-5, 7 shots back.
“I get to see how many birdies I can make for two days with making any boo boos” Glover told me. “So, it will be aggressive, aggressive, aggressive. Gotta get in the fairway to do that, we know that and I did a good job of that today and finally saw some putts go in.”
There is a Storm Brewing this Weekend
With storms forecast Saturday afternoon, the John Deere Classic has adjusted its third-round tee times, bracing for weather impacts on both golf and post-round concerts. The third round will feature threesomes off split tees from approximately 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m., to get play in before playing conditions worsen. Country star Dierks Bentley’s performance is now set to begin around 3:45 p.m. Saturday for those in attendance.
A Fond Farewell
For a quarter of a century, Tony Rivera has managed lockeroom operations for the players at the John Deere Classic. Over the years, his servant-leadership and mild-mannered approach to his job, which surpasses most, have been an inspiration to all who have come to know him.
Pictured left to right: Will Treasure III, Tony Rivera, 2024 winner Davis Thompson, Jeff Trost, and Tom Huber
83-year-old Rivera told me he plans to retire from his role following Sunday’s final round to spend more time with his wife and family. The Illinois native and resident of Comanche, Iowa, says he’s leaving things in very capable hands.
“I’m going to truly miss the guys I’ve been working for quite a while. Jeff, Charles and Will, I assembled this team and they do such a great job,” Rivera added.
While he’s not one to play favorites, Rivera recalls many pleasant experiences with Cedar Rapids’ own Zach Johnson and fellow former John Deere Classic winner John Senden.
“John and I used to talk with each other, and one year I introduced him to my brother who recently passed away. It mean so much to him,” Rivera said. ‘It’s really nice to see all the players who come each year.”
TPC Deere Run General Manager Todd Hajduk said Rivera leaves a lasting legacy.
“We’re grateful for all Tony has done for us and so are the players who’ve come to know him,” Hajduk said. “He’s been talking about it being his last year the last several years, and this year he means it and we will miss him.”
Vaya con Dios, Tony, and thank you.
