In a Stunning Performance, Hayden Springer Joins the Elite Club of Sub-60 Rounds
Silvis, Illinois – The PGA Tour’s 2024 season continues to thrill golf enthusiasts as World No. 236, Hayden Springer, etched his name in history with a stunning 59 at the John Deere Classic. Marking the second sub-60 round in just a fortnight on the Tour, Springer’s remarkable feat has set the tournament, and the golf world, abuzz.
A Record-Breaking Start
Springer, who acquired his Tour card through qualifying school last December, delivered an exhilarating performance on the TPC Deere Run course. His opening round of 12 under par not only gave him the first-round lead but also made him the 14th player in PGA Tour history to break the 60 barrier. This achievement came just twelve days after Cameron Young recorded a 59 at the Travelers Championship.
“I’m feeling good. I’m at a loss for words. To be able to do that, it’s one of the rare things in golf,” said Springer, his voice filled with emotion and pride.
An Unforgettable Front Nine
Springer’s round started with an eagle and six birdies, resulting in an incredible front nine score of 29, the lowest on the TPC Deere Run course since 2000. Despite a streak of five pars beginning at the par-five 10th, Springer’s determination never wavered.
The turning point came on the 17th hole, where he holed out from 55 yards for another eagle. A nerve-wracking 12-foot putt on the 18th solidified his place in the record books.
The Competition Heats Up
Springer’s lead is threatened by impressive performances from other competitors. Finland’s Sami Valimaki fired an 11-birdie round of 61, and Eric Cole finished just behind with a nine-under 62. England’s Harry Hall and a host of others, including Davis Thompson and amateur Luke Clanton, are in close contention.
“It’s special to be able to achieve this. I played well last week, but finding this form has been tough. It’s so satisfying to have a round like this,” Springer reflected.
Overcoming Adversities
Springer’s journey to this historic moment has not been easy. Prior to his joint-10th place finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, he had missed six consecutive cuts. This triumph, however, is a testament to his perseverance and hard work.
“I didn’t think I could make that shot on 17, but I did, and it changed everything. It’s been a challenging time, but standing here today, it feels very special.”
Achievements and Aspirations
Springer’s performance is reminiscent of the legendary Jim Furyk’s PGA Tour record 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship. To date, only a select few, including icons like Justin Thomas and David Duval, have managed to score sub-60 rounds.
As Springer heads into the next rounds with a two-shot lead, the golfing community eagerly awaits more fireworks. His story is not just about a single great round; it represents resilience, chasing dreams, and the sheer joy of the sport.
Catch all the action from the John Deere Classic live on Sky Sports and witness history in the making as Springer and his competitors strive for victory.
What Equipment Was Hayden Sporting this Year?
In looking at the equipment, both Young and Springer recently put the unreleased Titleist GT driver, GT fairway woods into play.
Take a closer look at Springer’s full equipment setup below.
Driver: Titleist GT3, (Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana GT 70 TX), 8 degrees
3-wood: GT2, (Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana GT 80 TX), 13.5 degrees
5-wood: GT3, (True Temper Project X HZRDUS Black 80 6.5), 18 degrees
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-9 iron
