Lucas Glover stayed bogey-free through 36 holes, firing a 65 to grab a two-shot John Deere Classic lead while young stars chase into the weekend spotlight, now.
Lucas Glover didn’t just take control of the John Deere Classic on Friday.
He did it the old-school way with fairways, greens, nerves, and one clutch final par putt that kept the card spotless.
Glover rolled in a 12-footer on his last hole at TPC Deere Run to finish off a 6-under 65, moving to 14-under 128 and grabbing a two-shot lead heading into the weekend.
In a field loaded with young talent and rising names, the 46-year-old veteran reminded everyone that experience still hits hard when the putter cooperates.
Starting his second round on No. 10, Glover came out sharp and attacked early.
He stacked five birdies on his opening nine and kept the round from getting messy by avoiding the mistake that can derail momentum at a low-scoring event like the John Deere Classic.
Through 36 holes, he hasn’t made a bogey.
At TPC Deere Run, where players know they need to keep firing, a clean scorecard can feel just as valuable as a birdie barrage.
Lee Hodges stayed within striking distance after a 66 pushed him to 12-under, while Zac Blair sits another shot back after grinding out a 68.
Blair needed his own late escape to stay near the top, saving par on the closing hole to keep Glover from getting too far away.
Glover’s run comes at an important time.
His PGA TOUR exemption from his late-summer heater in 2023 is nearing its end, and a big week in Silvis could change the tone of his season in a hurry.
Still, Glover isn’t acting like a guy chasing paperwork. He sounds more like a player trying to prove to himself that good golf is still in there.
The leaderboard also has a throwback feel beyond Glover. Zach Johnson, now 50, posted a 70 and sits tied for 11th at 8-under.
The Iowa native skipped the U.S. Senior Open to play the John Deere Classic, a tournament that has always carried extra meaning for him.
Young guns Preston Stout and Blades Brown are both at 7-under, with Brown also bogey-free through two rounds.
Jackson Koivun, making his professional debut, missed the cut two weeks after earning low amateur honors at the U.S. Open.
Jordan Spieth barely survived, making the cut on the number at 3-under after a second-round 69.
But through two rounds, this tournament belongs to Glover — the veteran with the clean card, steady hands and a weekend chance to make real noise.
