July 6, 2024; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Davis Thompson hits his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress-USA TODAY Sports Davis Thompson shot a 9-under-par 62 to take the lead at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, Saturday, seeking his first PGA Tour victory after a string of strong performances.
Thompson enters Sunday’s final round at 21-under 192 with a two-shot lead over Eric Cole, who shot a 64 with a strong run late in the round, and England’s Aaron Rai, who shot a 66.
Thompson, who was bug-free Thursday and Saturday, may have to maintain the fast pace at TPC Deere Run, where low scores have become the norm.
Thompson, 25, is a former University of Georgia golfer looking to win his first PGA Tour title. He may have earned his victory, as he tied for second last week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and tied for ninth at the U.S. Open.
Cole made four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 17th hole. He is also aiming for his first PGA Tour title.
Hayden Springer, who shot a 59 in the first round, found his rhythm after a difficult second round. He shot a 66 and shared fourth place at 17 under par with Taiwan’s CT Pan (68), who was co-leader with Rai after two rounds. Pan’s only bogey on Saturday came on the final hole.
The tournament promises to be even more intense for amateur Luke Clanton, who shot a 67 on Saturday to move to 16 under par. Clanton, who birdied the 18th hole for the second straight day, is tied for sixth with JJ Spaun (65) and Michael Thorbjornsen (66).
Clanton, a 20-year-old golfer from Florida, tied for 10th at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, shortly after making the cut at last month’s U.S. Open.
Jordan Spieth (63), the tournament winner in 2013 and 2015, had the second-best score on Saturday before dropping to a tie for 12th at 14 under.
Spieth, who was part of the first group, took the lead of the standings by reaching 8 under par after 12 holes.
–Field level media
