In an exhilarating display of golf, Aaron Rai of England and C.T. Pan of Taiwan surged to the top of the leaderboard at the John Deere Classic, both shooting bogey-free rounds of 8-under 63 on Friday. The duo now share the lead heading into the weekend at TPC Deere Run, with both players sitting at 14-under 128.
Rai, who narrowly missed his first PGA Tour victory last week in Detroit, demonstrated remarkable consistency in his game. Reflecting on his recent performances, Rai credited improvements in his putting for his continued success.
"I've been playing well tee-to-green for large parts of this season. That’s kind of continued over the last few weeks,” Rai said. “And then a couple of weeks ago, I spent quite a while on the green. My dad gave me a couple tips. Started working with John Graham last week, a putting coach who is based out here.”
C.T. Pan also showcased his exceptional skill, highlighted by a 100-foot chip-in for eagle on the par-4 14th. Pan's 63 on Friday kept his card clean of bogeys, mirroring Rai’s round. Both players are poised for a potential breakthrough win on the PGA Tour.
Hayden Springer, who captured headlines with an opening round of 59, faced more challenges on his second day. Despite 12 birdies and two eagles in his first 29 holes, Springer struggled late in his round, resulting in a 71. “It wasn’t too bad,” Springer said. “It was a little windier today, probably played a little tougher. I kind of hit some bumps on the back nine, but more just mental errors and not making those short putts than anything else.”
Springer remains within striking distance, among six players just two shots off the lead. Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton continued his impressive summer with a 67, placing him at 12-under 130. Clanton’s round was punctuated by a spectacular drive on the 348-yard 14th hole, setting up a 15-foot eagle putt. Despite a double bogey on the par-4 sixth, Clanton rebounded with consecutive birdies to keep his hopes alive.
Harry Hall also made significant strides, posting a 66 to reach 13 under. Joining Springer and Clanton at 12 under were Eric Cole (68), Davis Thompson (67), and Denny McCarthy (66).
Michael Thorbjornsen, fresh out of Stanford, delivered an impressive 64, starting his round with four consecutive birdies. Thorbjornsen's strong performance has put him just three shots behind the leaders.
Two-time John Deere Classic winner Jordan Spieth barely made the cut, finishing eight shots back after a 67. Spieth’s late rally with two birdies ensured his weekend participation, but he remains cautiously optimistic about his chances. “We had yesterday morning with no wind and a chance — ball in hand — to really take advantage,” Spieth said.
“I had 18 holes of a couple under yesterday, and unless you’re absolutely perfect from there, there is not much of a chance of winning. That doesn’t mean you don’t go out and try and shoot 10 under the next day.”
As the weekend approaches, the tournament promises a thrilling conclusion with several top contenders in close pursuit. Golf fans can expect more exciting play as the field battles for the title at TPC Deere Run.
