College Talent Impresses in Round One of the 2025 John Deere Classic
Round one of the 2025 John Deere Classic took place Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. A wave of rising talent, including top college golfers and recent graduates, opened with strong performances. Several received sponsor exemptions based on collegiate success or early professional status.
Scores and Player Highlights
David Ford, a recent graduate from North Carolina and one of the top PGA Tour University finishers, shot 68 and is tied for thirty fourth.
Ben James, an incoming junior at Virginia and former Walker Cup team member, also posted 68 and is tied for thirty fourth.
Preston Summerhays, a recent graduate from Arizona State now competing professionally, carded a 69 and is tied for fifty fifth.
Gordon Sargent, a Vanderbilt graduate and 2022 NCAA individual champion, is at two under through six holes.
Jackson Koivun, an incoming junior at Auburn and the top ranked player accoring to WAGR, also opened with 69 and is tied for fifty fifth.
Michael La Sasso, the 2025 NCAA individual champion and incoming senior at Ole Miss, was two under through six holes when play was suspended.
Brendan Valdes, an Auburn graduate and runner up in PGA Tour University, shot even par 71 and is tied for ninety first.
Michael Thorbjornsen, a Stanford graduate and current professional, also shot 71 and shares ninety first.
Luke Clanton, who tied for second here in 2024 as an amateur and recently turned professional, shot 72 and is tied for one hundred sixth.
How They Got Here
Koivun, La Sasso, James, Valdes and Thorbjornsen earned sponsor exemptions based on strong college results and national rankings. Ford and Summerhays qualified through high finishes in PGA Tour University. Clanton returned to the field after a strong Korn Ferry Tour stretch and standout amateur showing last year.
Why This Week Matters
The John Deere Classic is a key opportunity for emerging talent. TPC Deere Run offers wide fairways and soft greens that reward aggressive play. With many top professionals resting before The Open Championship, younger players have a chance to shine.
This event has launched major careers. Jordan Spieth won here in 2013 at age nineteen. In 2024, Davis Thompson finished twenty eight under to secure full PGA Tour membership. A similar result this week could mark a breakthrough moment for any of these young contenders.
Sources
John Deere Classic Leaderboard - PGA Tour
Golfweek: Young Talent at the John Deere Classic
Yahoo Sports - John Deere Classic Scores
