PGA Tour: Andrew Loupe Leads After Rain Delayed Opening Day At John Deere Classic

By Adam McGee | Aug 11, 2016

Aug 11, 2016; Silvis, IL, USA; Andrew Loupe watches his tee shot at the second hole during the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

As play was disrupted by rain at day one of John Deere Classic, Andrew Loupe broke out to an early lead with an impressive opening round.

Although the attention of the golfing world was likely fixed on Rio de Janeiro and golf’s return to the Olympics after a 112 year absence, the PGA Tour rolled on as usual.

As the tour makes its annual stop to TPC Deere Run for the John Deere Classic this year, the stakes are a little higher than they have been in the past.

Usually scheduled to take place in July, the John Deere was one of a number of events around the world that had its schedule juggled around to accommodate the Ryder Cup and the Olympics. As a result, it has become the penultimate event of the regular season, and a vital week for those on the bubble in the FedEx Cup.

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With that extra incentive for many of those in attendance in Silvis, IL, the last thing anybody wanted was a break in the action, but that’s exactly what Mother Nature delivered.

Less than half the field had taken to the course on Thursday when heavy rain and lightning in the area caused play to be suspended for the best part of three-and-a-half hours.

As disappointing as the delay was, it didn’t stop good scores being put together on either side of the break.

The weather meant that Andrew Loupe will have to wait until Friday to finish his opening round, but it certainly didn’t seem to do anything to disrupt his rhythm.

Sitting in 111th place before this week, the 27-year-old former LSU man already seemed like a safe bet to make his first FedEx Cup appearance in a couple of weeks, but following the start he had on Thursday he may end up setting his sights significantly higher.

Loupe finished 14 holes before play was suspended due to darkness, notching up eight birdies and six pars in his round so far.

One of the highest ranked players in the field and a native of the Quad Cities area, Zach Johnson wasted no time in laying down a marker on Thursday either.

Starting off the 10th tee, Johnson, the 2012 champion at this event, birdied four of TPC Deere Run’s last five holes in a round that was typically steady. Six birdies and no bogeys ensured that the 40-year-old would post an opening 65.

Patrick Rodgers and Ryan Moore also matched Johnson’s impressive opening round, although both players recorded a single bogey each. Seven birdies provided the remedy for Rodgers, while an eagle on the 569 yard Par 5 17th did the trick for Moore. That made for a trio of players in the clubhouse in 65 strokes for a six-under first round total, with Tom Gillis also tied for second with two holes to play.

Having won the John Deere for three years in a row from 2009 through 2011, Steve Stricker was hotly tipped for a good showing heading into this week. The 49-year-old would have to settle for a spot way down the leaderboard though after a round of 70 placed him at only one-under par.

Among those with a need to secure their FedEx Cup place, Johnson Wagner impressed. Coming into this week on the bubble as the last man projected to make it in at 125, Wagner shot three-under par to sit just outside the top 10.

Former US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy is another who could take big strides towards the post-season this week. The man currently sitting at 175th in the FedEx Cup standings was among those still on the course when play was suspended due to darkness, and his impressive five-under through 12 holes had him well-positioned in the early running.

John Deere Classic – Day 1 Scores and Leaderboard

1 Andrew Loupe – Thru 14 (-8)

T2 Zach Johnson – 65 (-6)

T2 Ryan Moore – 65 (-6)

T2 Patrick Rodgers – 65 (-6)

T2 Tom Gillis – Thru 15 (-6)

T6 Scott Pinckney – 66 (-5)

T6 Scott Brown – 66 (-5)

T6 Geoff Ogilvy – Thru 12 (-5)

T6 Morgan Hoffman – Thru 14 (-5)

Next: Olympic Golf: Australia’s Marcus Fraser Takes Round One Lead

With the forecast threatening more rain in the coming days, organizers will be hoping for some lucky breaks on Friday for any real hope of keeping play close to on schedule. Let’s hope the rain stays away.