The second round of the 2025 John Deere Classic wrapped up at TPC Deere Run with the cut line set at 5-under par, resulting in several notable players missing the weekend rounds. Among those unexpectedly eliminated was Jason Day, a 13-time PGA Tour winner, highlighting a challenging tournament for some top contenders.
The event began on Thursday, July 3, with defending champion Davis Thompson returning to compete. Thompson is currently tied for second place after making the cut, aiming to defend his title following his four-stroke victory last year. However, several other prominent golfers fell short of the standard required to advance.
Prominent Golfers Who Did Not Advance Past the Cut at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day, a former major champion, has struggled this season and failed to make the cut at the John Deere Classic after posting a total of 2-under 140 in his first two rounds. This marks his second missed cut in 2025, following a disappointing 6-over 148 at the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow Club. Despite recording four top-five finishes earlier this year, Day is still seeking his first win of the season.
Ben Griffin, who enjoyed a breakthrough year by winning both the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Charles Schwab Challenge, also missed the cut by two strokes with a 3-under total of 139. He began the tournament evenly matched at even par, making two birdies and two bogeys in the first round, but was unable to surpass the cut line on day two despite shooting 3-under 68.
Michael Kim, the 2018 John Deere Classic champion who won by an eight-stroke margin, failed to build on his strong start this year. After an impressive 7-under round on the first day, Kim struggled in round two, scoring 4-over par for a combined 3-under. This inconsistency ended his attempt to repeat as champion at the event.
Adam Hadwin has also faced a difficult season, with this tournament marking his sixth missed cut out of 19 starts. His best performance this year was tied for ninth at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, but at TPC Deere Run, he carded 2-over 144 over the first two rounds, falling short of the cut line.
Tom Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, saw his tournament hopes end narrowly after finishing 4-under 138 in the first 36 holes. Missing the cut by a single stroke represents his seventh cut miss in 2025 and ends his participation at the John Deere Classic, where he was hoping to build momentum following his last victory at the 2023 Shriner’s Children Open.
Implications for the Tournament and Upcoming Events
With several key players, including Jason Day and others who have had recent successes, missing the cut, the John Deere Classic field this weekend will consist mainly of rising stars and consistent performers. Davis Thompson remains a strong contender, well-positioned to defend his title amid a field that has seen early surprises. The unexpected misses highlight the challenging conditions at TPC Deere Run and underscore the competitive depth of the PGA Tour this season.
As the weekend progresses, the focus will shift to those who made the cut and continue to vie for the championship, with players looking to seize the opportunity in a tournament where past champions have struggled to maintain form. For Jason Day and others, the tournament results may prompt a reassessment ahead of forthcoming events as they seek to regain top form in the remainder of the PGA Tour season.