By Aaron Rai and CT Pan are currently tied for the lead at the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour, with Rai’s fellow Englishman Harry Hall just one stroke behind. Rai, who was in the lead before the final round of the previous week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic and finished second, delivered a flawless eight-under 63 in Illinois, bringing him to a total of 14 under.
Pan’s round was equally impressive, featuring a remarkable 100-foot chip for eagle, placing him alongside Rai at the top. Hall trails by a single stroke after carding a five-under 66, while a group of six, including Hayden Springer and Sungjae Im, are two strokes behind at 12 under.
Springer, who had an outstanding 59 in the first round, faced challenges in the windier conditions of the second round, ending with an even-par 71. Rai, Hall, and Springer are all vying for their first PGA Tour win, with Rai having two DP World Tour victories to his name.
Rai credits recent improvements in his game to practice and advice from his father and new work with putting coach John Graham. Meanwhile, two-time John Deere Classic winner Jordan Spieth made the cut but is eight shots off the lead, emphasizing the need for a perfect performance to have a shot at winning. The tournament continues with players aiming to secure their first PGA Tour title or add another to their achievements.
