Hayden Springer Shoots 59 to Lead John Deere Classic

Hayden Springer, ranked 236th in the world, achieved a historic milestone by carding a first-round 59 at the John Deere Classic in Illinois, marking the PGA Tour’s 14th sub-60 round. Springer, who earned his tour card through qualifying school in December, became the second player in two weeks to achieve this feat after Cameron Young at the Travelers Championship on June 22.

The 27-year-old American, who had a flawless round without a bogey, capped his spectacular performance with an eagle from 55 yards on the 17th hole, followed by a composed 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole to lead the tournament with a score of 12 under par.

“I’m at a loss for words at being able to do that, one of the rare things in golf. I’ve shot 61 a few times,” said Springer. “It’s like something you dream of, right? We all want to go out and shoot 59. You don’t ever really – I don’t know how many chances I’ll ever get at doing that again.”

Before Springer and Young, the last sub-60 round on the PGA Tour was Scottie Scheffler’s performance at TPC Boston in 2020. Jim Furyk remains the only player to shoot 58 twice on the PGA Tour, achieving this feat in 2016. Bryson DeChambeau matched this outside the PGA Tour to win the LIV Golf Greenbrier title last year.

Hayden Springer also set the record for the lowest nine-hole score on the PGA Tour since 2000, carding a remarkable 27 on the front nine, which included an eagle and six birdies, followed by five consecutive pars on the back nine. After a string of missed cuts, his performance at the John Deere Classic was particularly meaningful.

“It’s been a little bit tough to find anything so it is special,” he added.