During Sunday’s John Deere Classic trophy final round, which began with a packed field, Davis Thompson soon found himself leading alone.
On his way to a final 7-under 64 at TPC Deere Run, a tournament record-setting total of 28-under 256, and a four-shot victory over 3 runners-up, he lapped the field with birdies on 6 of his opening 9 holes.
In the 53-year history of the Quad Cities event, the 25-year-old rising talent from Georgia became the 24th player to win on the PGA TOUR in his 2nd year and 63rd appearance.
Notably, he followed 2022 champion J.T. Poston and last year’s winner Sepp Straka as the third consecutive winner out of an Airbnb rental home a short distance from TPC Deere Run.
Thompson, who was traveling alone while his wife, Holly Grace, was a bridesmaid back home, was the last man to book a room at the Trophy House this year after Straka chose to stay in a hotel with his wife and new baby.
“It’s somewhat absurd. My room was in Sepp’s room. Next year, myself and him might end up battling over that room.” Thompson stated the unlikely run of success for guests at the six-bedroom home located outside of Colona, Illinois.
Although his talent had him on the rise, he stated that Trophy House’s success was the result of happenstance.
“If I had been alone in a hotel room, I think I would have thought about nothing much at all. While I did let my thoughts wander last night, spending time with those men, doing laundry, and watching sports helped to divert my attention.” he stated after grabbing a share of the lead for the second time entering Sunday.
“We play a lot of cards, have a good time, and then unwind after we get home. It’s wonderful, in my opinion, to return to your playing when things are going well and stop worrying about your golf game. It is obviously effective.” said Poston one of this year’s housemates.
Along with a new golf ball that Thompson used in April, Thompson also added a fresh pair of Titleist irons to his bag. Since the switch, he has 6 top-25 results, including two runner-up positions at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week and the Myrtle Beach Classic.
He has now triumphed decisively against what was maybe the strongest field in Quad Cities history, and he has become a member of the elite group of recent first-time winners of the TPC Deere Run, which includes major winners Jordan Spieth, Bryson Dechambeau, and Brian Harman.
According to TOUR players who have played with the former All-American from Georgia, Thompson has the skills to equal the most recent successes.
“I’ve been telling him for a few years that he can excel in the game, consistently place in the top 10 in the world, and represent America as a Ryder Cupper. He really is that fantastic. Between his current game and Scottie Scheffler’s three years ago, not much has changed. As I mentioned last week, he would most likely be the one to maintain the house’s good vibes.” These were words some of his colleagues had to say about him.
Zach Johnson is close friends with Tod ; Thompson’s father, who is the event director of The RSM Classic and a former golfer for the Georgia Bulldogs. Back home in St. Simons Island, Georgia, Johnson frequently performs with Davis Thompson alongside notable pros like Harman, Poston, Harris English, Patton Kizzire, and Davis Love III, among others.
“It was something we anticipated two or three months ago. After making a few adjustments to his golf bag, everything began to click. He’s in that talent category, so if you know him, it’s not shocking what we’re witnessing.” Johnson said.
Thompson may be the last person to publicly express such sentiments. Those who know him well describe him as quiet, cunningly humorous, and largely emotionless.
Thompson’s wife, who took a plane to the Quad Cities on Sunday, claimed that her husband showed greater passion during the final putt than on their wedding day. However, she has known Thompson since high school, so she is well aware of the fierce heart he possesses.
“He truly is an asset to the country. He’s a secret, but he’s a completely different person the more you get to know him.” she said.
“Obviously, just like any other young guy, my goal was to win every week, and that’s just not realistic,” he remarked.
But instead of lowering expectations, he put in twice as much effort to meet them.
“I just need some time to get used to it, and once I do, I kind of fall into a groove and start to play well. I think during the last several months, I became more at ease and this week, I managed to overcome my barriers.” he said.
With his win, he moved up to No. 22 in the FedExCup standings and received a payment for $1.44 million. Additionally, he obtained exemptions for the Masters in his home Georgia in April of next year as well as The Open at Royal Troon later this month.
There might be more prizes to come. While he understands that those are prizes to be earned, playing in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups and finishing close to the top of the game are undoubtedly goals.
“Yes, those are undoubtedly the objectives. However, I feel that the effort is only getting started now that I’ve had my first victory. To play this game for more than 20 years and have a successful career is the aim. Indeed, to be honest, I’m not really thinking about goals at this time. I’m just hoping to catch some slumber while traveling to the Genesis Scottish Open on the Deere private jet.” he said.
That, and maybe sleeping in Trophy House once more come July.
