Doug Ghim: Meet the Surprise Leader of the 2025 John Deere Classic

With 18 holes down, the 2025 John Deere Classic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. Doug Ghim’s stellar opening round gives him the spotlight, but with a tightly packed leaderboard behind him, nothing is certain.

As players prepare for Round 2, fans can expect fireworks — birdies, leaderboard shifts, and plenty of drama as the chase for the title heats up.

Doug Ghim: Precision and Poise on Display

Doug Ghim was simply flawless in Round 1. His 62 was not just a career-best opening round on the PGA Tour—it was a masterclass in consistency and precision.¹

Ghim avoided any trouble, hit nearly every green in regulation, and rolled his putts with confidence. The 28-year-old American carded nine birdies and no bogeys, executing a clean round that left fans and fellow competitors in awe.

This wasn’t just a hot streak of putting—Ghim’s approach game was razor-sharp. His proximity to the hole allowed him to capitalize on birdie opportunities and maintain pressure on the field.

With this performance, Ghim not only leads the tournament but has also put himself in strong contention for his maiden PGA Tour title.

qb slide rule has to change. if you want to run as a qb, injuries are just part of the risk you take. the health of dbs matter too

— Doug Ghim (@DougGhim) November 26, 2023

Chasing the Lead: Eckroat and Homa Close Behind

Hot on Ghim’s heels are Austin Eckroat and Max Homa, who each fired 8-under-par rounds of 63. The pair sits just one stroke behind the leader, tied for second place.

Eckroat, a rising talent on the PGA Tour, displayed excellent course management. His ability to stay aggressive while minimizing mistakes was key in navigating the TPC Deere Run layout. A couple of clutch par saves also kept his momentum going on the back nine.

Max Homa, a fan-favorite and multi-time PGA Tour winner, was equally impressive. Known for his sharp ball-striking and elite short game, Homa kept his composure throughout the round and played his way into contention early.

His steady presence in the top tiers of leaderboards this season continues, and he looks poised to make a strong run over the weekend.

Doug Ghim: Michael Kim Returns to Familiar Grounds in Style

Michael Kim, who won the John Deere Classic back in 2018, made a strong statement with a 7-under-par 64.²

Returning to a course where he has found success, Kim relied on a familiar formula: smart strategy and clean execution.

His round included eight birdies and just a single bogey, a small blemish on an otherwise commanding performance.

Kim’s knowledge of the course and comfort on the greens showed, as he calmly rolled in birdie putts and avoided the big numbers that can derail a round at TPC Deere Run.

Sharing fourth place with Kim are Justin Lower, Sam Stevens, and David Lipsky, each of whom also delivered a 64 to keep themselves within striking distance of the lead.

A Contender Emerges?

Rickie Fowler, one of the tour’s most recognizable faces, reminded everyone why he’s still a serious contender. With a 6-under-par 65, Fowler finds himself in a nine-way tie for eighth place heading into Friday’s second round.

Joining him in that tie are notable names like Si Woo Kim, who has three PGA Tour titles under his belt, and several other players who’ve shown flashes of brilliance this season. Fowler’s round was a testament to his patience and ability to string together birdies without taking unnecessary risks.

Fowler, a crowd favorite, could become a central figure in this tournament if he maintains his sharp form. His short game was particularly solid, and if his putter heats up even more, don’t be surprised to see his name rising to the top of the leaderboard.

Potgieter Riding the Wave: A Champion in Form

One of the most talked-about players entering the tournament was Aldrich Potgieter, fresh off his thrilling victory at last week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The 19-year-old South African showed no signs of slowing down, carding a solid 5-under-par 66 in Round 1.

Potgieter is part of a large group—19 players in total—tied for 24th place.

While this may seem like a modest standing, Potgieter’s composure and ability to deliver in clutch situations makes him a dangerous player heading into the weekend. With momentum on his side, he has a strong chance to climb the leaderboard.

Doug Ghim: Depth of the Field

19 Players Tied at T24

The sheer number of players tied for 24th place is a testament to the depth and competitiveness of the field at this year’s John Deere Classic.³

These 19 players, each shooting 66, are all within four strokes of the lead.

This pack includes a mix of experienced veterans and hungry young talents—names like Taylor Montgomery, Nick Hardy, and Dylan Wu—all capable of going low in upcoming rounds.

With soft greens and ideal scoring conditions forecasted for the next few days, this tightly packed field could see dramatic swings up and down the leaderboard.

What to Expect in Round 2: Fireworks on Friday

Friday’s second round is shaping up to be a high-stakes day with plenty of drama.

Players know that with such low scoring already in play, there’s little margin for error. Expect aggressive play, especially from those hovering around the cut line or trailing by a few strokes.

Course conditions are expected to remain favorable—soft fairways, receptive greens, and relatively light winds.

These factors often lead to birdie fests at TPC Deere Run, and it would be no surprise to see another round in the low 60s or even a 61 if someone gets hot with the putter.

Key Players to Watch Moving Forward

Aside from the obvious contenders like Ghim, Homa, and Eckroat, a few others are worth watching closely:

• Si Woo Kim: With his experience and ball-striking ability, he’s always a threat, especially on scorable courses.

• Justin Lower: Often overlooked, but his opening round showed poise and precision.

• Sam Stevens: A young player with upside, Stevens is hungry for his first big breakthrough on Tour.

• Rickie Fowler: A good performance in Round 2 could catapult him into a marquee group for the weekend.