By In a remarkable display of skill, Hayden Springer has etched his name in PGA Tour history by shooting a 59 during the John Deere Classic’s opening round, joining an exclusive group of only 14 players to ever break the 60 barrier.
Springer’s round was highlighted by eight birdies and two eagles, with a crucial 12-foot putt on the final green securing his sub-60 score. He now leads the tournament, two strokes ahead of Finland’s Sami Valimaki, who himself carded an impressive 61. Eric Cole trails closely, shooting a nine-under 62, while England’s Harry Hall is just a shot further back.
Springer’s front nine was particularly notable, as he scored an eight-under 27, marking the lowest nine-hole score on the Tour since 2000. However, it was his eagle from the rough on the 17th hole that truly set him up for the historic 59 finish.
This achievement comes shortly after Cam Young’s 59 at the Travelers Championship, the first since 2020. Springer, ranked 236th globally and seeking his first PGA Tour win, expressed his amazement and gratitude for accomplishing such a rare feat in golf.
Valimaki and Cole both acknowledged Springer’s performance, with Valimaki aiming to shoot even lower and Cole emphasizing the importance of good shots and birdie opportunities, regardless of the leading scores.
The tournament remains competitive, with four players tied for fourth place at eight-under 63, and several others, including past John Deere Classic winner Lucas Glover, close behind. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth faces the possibility of missing the cut after finishing with a two-under 69. Springer’s historic round sets a high bar for the remainder of the tournament and adds to the excitement of the John Deere Classic.
