Max Homa showcased a remarkable performance at the John Deere Classic, despite earlier expressing concerns about his game. The six-time winner shot an impressive 8-under 63 in his opening round at TPC Deere Run, marking his best first-round score on the PGA Tour.
Throughout the round, Homa demonstrated exceptional skill, making nine birdies against just one bogey on his final hole. He attributed his success to solid all-around play, particularly with his putting and iron shots. “I just did everything really solid. I made a ton of putts. Kept the driver in good spots,” he stated confidently.
With this impressive round, Homa finished just one shot behind clubhouse leader Doug Ghim. His performance included hitting 10 of 14 fairways and successfully landing 14 of 18 greens in regulation, while gaining over three strokes with his putter compared to the field.
This year’s season has been a challenge for Homa, who has struggled to find his footing after making significant changes to his approach, including a revamp of his equipment and coaching strategies. Prior to this event, he had yet to secure a top-10 finish this season and had missed half his cuts. However, Thursday’s score marked a potential turning point, as it was his best score overall for the year.
Looking ahead, Homa remains cautiously optimistic about maintaining this level of play. “I mean, I don’t see why not… every day is different,” he reflected. He is set to tee off again on Friday at 2 p.m. EDT, alongside fellow competitors Jake Knapp and Rickie Fowler, who also had strong performances in the opening round.
Homa’s impressive start at the John Deere Classic could signal a positive shift in his season as he seeks to build on this momentum. With further opportunities ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges that lie ahead.