"PGA Tour Showcase: Jonas Blixt Ignites John Deere Classic with Sensational 62!" LATEST UPDATES:
SILVIS, Ill. -- Jonas Blixt turned up the heat on the back nine at TPC Deere Run on Thursday, delivering a scorching performance by carding a 9-under 62 to claim a two-shot lead over Grayson Murray in the opening round of the John Deere Classic.
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| PGA TOUR LATEST UPDATE - Jonas Blixt Fires Spectacular 62 to Take Early Lead at John Deere Classic |
Murray, who had an impressive start and was 8 under through 13 holes, hit a roadblock down the stretch. A bogey on his final hole resulted in a solid 64. Among the contenders, Cameron Young, ranked No. 19 in the field, also closed with a bogey, finding himself in a large group trailing by three shots.
At 39 years old, Blixt, a three-time tour winner, is competing with conditional status and this marks his first PGA Tour appearance since the Byron Nelson in May. Following weeks of diligent work with his swing coach, and coming off a missed cut on the Korn Ferry Tour last week, Blixt felt a breakthrough on Tuesday during his range practice.
"At this point in my season, it's so late that I don't feel much pressure anymore. I just go out there and swing freely," Blixt shared. "Golf is unpredictable. Tomorrow, I might feel like shooting 100, but today was an exceptional day."
Blixt dazzled with a 7-under 29 on the back nine, achieving a personal best by breaking the 30-stroke barrier for nine holes on the tour. Notably, he drove the green on the 360-yard, par-4 14th hole and sank a remarkable 43-foot putt for an eagle. On the par-4 18th, he displayed precision by landing his approach shot from a fairway bunker within 5 feet, securing a closing birdie.
The last time Blixt tasted victory was in 2017 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he teamed up with Cameron Smith for the team event. However, since undergoing back surgery two years later, he has faced numerous challenges. Coming into this week, he held the 842nd spot in the world rankings.
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| Jonas Blixt Fires Spectacular 62 to Take Early Lead at John Deere Classic - PGA TOUR |
"I've had the privilege of playing many years on tour, and I'm truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities that came with it," Blixt expressed. "Sometimes, you have to appreciate what you have and what you've been through instead of always dwelling on what might have been. So, I draw strength from that perspective. Of course, I'm still hungry. I'm not considering quitting."
Murray's round of 64 marked his best performance on tour in three years.
"I've been playing exceptionally well on the Korn Ferry Tour, securing a victory about a month ago and finishing third in another event," Murray shared. "I'm in a favorable position to secure my card out there soon, so coming out here, it felt like an opportunity to enjoy the game more freely, knowing that my card is virtually locked up."
Murray, who clinched a victory at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, suffered a knee injury in a scooter accident in Bermuda last October, which forced him to withdraw from the Bermuda Championship. He didn't return to competitive play until January on the Korn Ferry Tour. Since then, he has made a conscious effort to utilize his free time constructively.
"I try to engage in positive activities off the course, such as hitting the gym or catching a movie," Murray revealed. "We have plenty of downtime, and in the past, I didn't prioritize it effectively. Now, at 29 years old, having been on the tour for quite some time, I've had a bit of an awakening, realizing that I have a tremendous opportunity in front of me. I believe I haven't reached my prime yet."
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