2025 John Deere Classic Live Updates: Davis Thompson Aims for Repeat Victory as Max Homa Leads the Chase!

Moving Day at the 2025 John Deere Classic had everyone on edge. Gusty winds made it tricky, and at one stage, eight players were tied for the lead. But as the rounds progressed, five players began to pull away, with last year’s champion, Davis Thompson, taking the top spot.

Thompson is aiming to make history as the first player to win back-to-back titles at TPC Deere Run since Steve Stricker did it from 2009 to 2011. After a shaky start with a few bogeys, Thompson found his rhythm. He shot four under on the back nine, finishing with a 67 and leading at 15 under.

But he’s not alone at the top. Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, sits just one stroke behind at 14 under. Homa has spent the last two years tweaking his game, changing his swing, equipment, and even his caddie. This week, he’s been looking more like his old self, especially after shooting a 63 in the first round. His driving has been strong, putting him in a great position to challenge for his first win in over two years.

Alongside Homa are David Lipsky, Emiliano Grillo, and Brian Campbell, all tied at 14 under. Both Grillo and Campbell made birdies on the 18th hole, while Lipsky was in the lead for much of Saturday. With the top players pulling away, there is now a two-shot gap between them and the next group at 12 under.

Recently, mental toughness has played a crucial role in golf, especially as players navigate high-pressure situations. Campbell, who has already snagged a win this year, and Thompson’s confidence from last year’s victory could be key. On social media, fans are buzzing about Homa’s performance this week, with many hoping to see him reclaim his spot among the elite.

The leader to watch:

1. Davis Thompson (-15): He handled pressure well last year, finishing with a 64. Current conditions are expected to be better for scoring, which could work in his favor.

Contenders:

• T2. Max Homa, David Lipsky, Emiliano Grillo, Brian Campbell (-14)
• T6. Kurt Kitayama, Austin Eckroat, Seamus Power, Camilo Villegas (-12)
• T10. Matt Kuchar, Chris Gotterup, Jackson Koivun, Cameron Champ, Kevin Roy (-11)

Given the favorable conditions, it’s likely a player within four strokes could steal the spotlight. Homa’s earlier performance shows he can go low. Kitayama had a solid round with a 66, but may need to improve to stay in the chase. Players like Champ and Roy have shown glimpses of potential but need to tighten up their performance if they hope to contend.

According to recent stats from BetMGM, Davis Thompson is the favorite to win at 9/4, followed closely by Max Homa at 9/2. While Homa might be a popular pick, many believe this could be Thompson’s moment to shine once again.

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