SILVIS, Ill. — Defending champion Davis Thompson illuminated the leaderboard at the John Deere Classic on Friday, firing a bogey-free 8-under 64 to reach 11-under par and tie for the lead alongside Brian Campbell and Taylor Montgomery. The 26-year-old Georgian’s strong performance at TPC Deere Run places him in prime position to become only the fourth player to win consecutive titles at this tournament, and the first to do so since Steve Stricker achieved three straight wins from 2009 to 2011.
Thompson’s Calm Composure Fuels Success on the Course
Thompson’s second-round surge came after an opening 68 on a hot Thursday, a day when only one afternoon competitor cracked the top 15. Rather than making drastic changes, Thompson credited maintaining momentum from a lengthy eagle putt on his penultimate hole Thursday.
“It was a pretty stress-free round today,”
he said.
“Just felt like I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens.”
The golfer quickly ignited his Friday with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, sinking an 8-foot, 8-inch putt. His outward nine featured three birdies, and a key birdie at the eighth hole helped cement his presence atop the leaderboard. Thompson’s precision was evident as he hit 30 of 36 greens over two rounds, requiring just 96.6 yards of putting to reach 11-under par.
Favorable Course Conditions Suit Thompson’s Strengths
Thompson’s affinity for the Deere Run course, known for its tree-lined layout and bent grass greens, was apparent in his performance. He previously set the tournament record with a 28-under-par score en route to his initial PGA TOUR win last year.
“I love tree-lined courses and there are a lot of trees out here. I love the bent grass greens and that is kind of a good recipe for me,”
he remarked.
Comfort off the course also contributes to his confidence. Staying at the “Trophy House” Airbnb near the course, Thompson follows a tradition of recent John Deere champions who found nearby accommodations favorable for their game. This weekend, he aims to join Deane Beman, David Frost, and Steve Stricker in the exclusive club of back-to-back John Deere Classic winners.
Supportive Spouse and Tough Season Highlight Player’s Journey
Thompson’s wife, Holly Grace, who famously declared him a national treasure last year following his breakthrough win, accompanies him this week alongside a group of fellow competitors and spouses. Her support has been a calming influence despite the challenges of an uneven 2025 season, where Thompson’s top finish has been a tie for 10th at THE PLAYERS Championship. Ranked 70th in the FedExCup standings heading into the event, Thompson is on the cusp of securing a playoff berth.
Holly Grace acknowledged her husband’s steady nature, noting the playful pressures of being labeled a national treasure.
“That’s a big title I gave him,”
she said.
“Yeah. ‘You didn’t get the garbage this week. You’re not a national treasure anymore,’”
she joked.
“But that’s why he’s a national treasure. He’s not your typical husband. He’s so good at remembering to do stuff.”
Thompson Focused on Consistency and Momentum for Weekend Push
Despite some difficulties this season, Thompson remains optimistic about his chances for another strong showing at John Deere Classic. He described his strategy succinctly:
“Just keep grinding. Keep chipping it close. Keep making pars. Then string a few shots together and kind of go from there.”
This perseverance and calm execution could soon elevate him from defending champion to a legendary figure in the Quad Cities, reinforcing his status within the PGA TOUR and among fans at TPC Deere Run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Davis Thompson religious?
A. Believing in Jesus Christ means a lot to him, so he makes sure to pray before hitting his first golf shot.