SILVIS, ILLINOIS – Davis Thompson closed out Saturday’s third round of the John Deere Classic with a clutch 10½-foot birdie putt on the final hole, carding a 4-under-par 67. This decisive finish propelled him into the sole lead at 15-under 198, one shot ahead of a crowded field of contenders. Thompson, who is seeking his second career victory, demonstrated impressive resilience, particularly on the back nine, where he went 4-under despite earlier bogeys on the front side and the challenging windy conditions at TPC Deere Run.
A Tight Race: The Revolving Door at the Top
Saturday’s conditions were less forgiving than previous days, leading to tempered scores across the board. The leaderboard saw significant volatility, with as many as ten golfers tied for the lead at 12-under more than halfway through the round. This “revolving door” at the top kept the competition intense throughout the afternoon.
Thompson’s closest pursuers, all one shot back at 14-under, include David Lipsky, Max Homa, Brian Campbell, and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo, each carding 68s. Notable finishes from this group included Lipsky’s birdies on both back-side par-5s, Homa’s three birdies over his final seven holes, and Grillo’s strong close with birdies on two of his last three holes. Brian Campbell, playing alongside Thompson in the final group, also managed a birdie on the 18th.
Leaders and Laggards: Ghim’s Slide and Other Contenders
The round began with a tight spread, as 12 golfers were within two shots of the lead. However, Doug Ghim, who had impressively held the lead after both the first and second rounds—marking his first time as a 36-hole leader on tour—experienced a significant slip, shooting a 74 and dropping to a tie for 21st place.
Meanwhile, a strong group remains at 12-under, including Kurt Kitayama (66), Austin Eckroat (67), Ireland’s Seamus Power (68), and Colombia’s Camilo Villegas (69). Eckroat’s round was particularly notable for being bogey-free, including a strong 3-under performance through his first eight holes.
Final Day Outlook
Davis Thompson’s approach to the final day is to “not change much,” a strategy that prioritizes consistency and maintaining his current form. While Saturday’s conditions limited scoring, the forecast for Sunday could be more conducive to lower numbers, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling finish. The tight leaderboard ensures that the final 18 holes at TPC Deere Run will be a compelling battle for the John Deere Classic title.
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