John Deere Classic: Doug Ghim fires bogey-free 62 to take first-round lead

Doug Ghim set the pace at the John Deere Classic on Thursday, carding a bogey-free 9-under 62 to take a one-shot lead after the first round at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

The 29-year-old Illinois native made an eagle at the par-4 sixth, holing a 91-yard approach, and chipped in for birdie at the first hole. He added seven birdies, including four on the back nine, in pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory.

Ghim, aiming to become the 10th first-time winner on tour this season, remained grounded despite the hot start. "There's a lot of golf to be played," he said. "I probably won't even be leading by the end of the day. We'll see."


Max Homa and Austin Eckroat trailed Ghim by one shot after shooting 63s. Homa, who has struggled for much of 2025, was on track for a share of the lead before a bogey on his final hole, the par-4 ninth. "Always feels good to get off to a good start when you're struggling," he noted.

Eckroat opened with fireworks, eagling two of his first five holes, including a hole-out from 137 yards at the fifth. "It was a little too early to go nuts," he joked.

Four players - David Lipsky, Sam Stevens, Justin Lower, and 2018 winner Michael Kim - posted 64s. Rickie Fowler shot a 65, highlighted by a 29 on the front nine. Defending champion Davis Thompson carded a 68, while Jason Day struggled with a 74.