With many of the world's best taking the Fourth of July off, the 2025 John Deere Classic provides players with a terrific opportunity for a breakthrough win. After Thursday's first round, two of the bigger names in the field,

Max Homa is happy. And even a little surprised. The six-time PGA Tour winner shot an opening eight-under 63 Thursday at the John Deere Classic, the lowest first-round score of his career. He’s tied for second place, one shot behind Doug Ghim.

For a guy who said that his game wasn’t “particularly sharp,” Max Homa looked like the six-time winner he is, Thursday at the John Deere Classic. Homa, who didn’t sound an optimistic tune — in relation to his form — in his pre-tournament presser,