2021 John Deere Classic: Cameron Champ Has Very Good Thursday
By Tim Letcher
Cameron Champ has had more than his share of struggles lately on the PGA Tour. But on Thursday at the 2021 John Deere Classic, Champ had one of his best rounds of the year.
Champ has made only nine cuts in 21 starts this season on tour. But recently, things have gone from bad to worse.
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In his last five starts, Champ has not made any cuts. That run started at the PGA Championship, where he shot 82-77 to miss the cut by a mile.
At the Charles Schwab, he shot 75-70 and also missed the cut. Then at the Memorial Tournament, he shot 82 on the first day and withdrew.
At the U.S. Open, Champ shot 76-75 to miss the cut. At the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week, he shot 71 on Thursday and 77 on Friday, also missing the weekend.
But Thursday was a completely different round for Champ.
Playing the back nine first, Champ started with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. He was immediately in red figures and would stay there the rest of the day.
He would par the next three holes. Then, on the par-4 14th hole, Champ recorded his second birdie of the day to get to 2-under par on his round.
After three more pars, Champ closed his first nine with a bogey on the 18th hole. He shot a 1-under par 35.
Then, he got things going in a really good direction. He birdied the first hole. Then the second. Then the third. In a span of three holes, he went from 1-under to 4-under on his round.
Champ would par the next three holes. Then on the par-3 seventh, he stuck his tee shot about three feet from the cup. He would make the birdie to get to 5-under par.
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He would close his round with two pars, giving him a 5-under par 66 on the day. It was his best round on tour in nearly two months.
When he finished, Champ was one shot behind the leaders. If he can keep the momentum going this week, it would be huge for the young standout, who is currently outside of the FedEx Cup playoffs.