Hayden Springer Makes History with Stunning 59 in John Deere Classic Opener!

Hayden Springer, a rookie on the PGA Tour, made history on Thursday by shooting a 12-under 59 in the opening round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run. This feat marks only the 14th sub-60 score in PGA Tour history.

Springer’s round was highlighted by a spectacular finish, holing out from 55 yards for eagle on the par-5 17th and sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th. “I’m feeling good. Kind of, I don’t know, at a loss for words in terms of being able to do that,” said Springer, who had never shot lower than 61, even in practice. “I feel like that’s one of the rare things in golf, so to kind of have that opportunity and pull it off, it feels pretty special.”

This remarkable round comes just three weeks after Cameron Young’s 59 at the Travelers Championship. It also ties the tournament record set by Paul Goydos in 2010. Hayden Springer now leads by two shots over fellow rookie Sami Valimaki, who shot a 61.

Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58, but he, like most who have shot sub-60 rounds, did not win the event. Only five players have won a tournament after shooting a sub-60 round, the most recent being Brandt Snedeker at the 2018 Wyndham Championship.

It was a demanding road for Springer to arrive at this point. He secured his initial PGA Tour card in December through Q-School but struggled with six consecutive missed cuts, placing 127th on the FedExCup points roster prior to this week’s tournament. Disheartened by these results, he turned back to his childhood coach Bartlett who assisted him in finding his rhythm once again.

“She’s coached me since I was 6 years old,” Springer said. “I took a little break from her for a couple years, and then before last week, after missing those six cuts, I felt like I needed to get something going. She was able to help me.”

Springer’s performance had an instant effect when he tied for 10th place at the recent Rocket Mortgage Classic. While playing at TPC Deere Run, his scoring commenced with a remarkable 13-foot eagle putt on the par-5 second hole, which was followed by four uninterrupted birdies and two more after reaching Nos.8 and 9 to amass nine under in total before halftime approached. 

Subsequently engaging five consecutive pars thereafter, Springer resumed play strongly as he secured another birdie successively starting from hole No.15 until his spectacular conclusion of events unfolded eventually.

“It’s a unique experience,” expressed Springer. “The sensation of standing here after playing a good round of golf is indescribable. As for tomorrow, I can’t anticipate what the outcome will be. Nevertheless, my plan is to continue with my daily routine and procedure as usual and move forward from there.”

Springer’s stunning round sets the stage for an exciting week at the John Deere Classic as he looks to build on this momentum and secure his first PGA Tour victory.