Séamus Power chasing in John Deere Classic as Davis Thompson seeks maiden win

The West Waterford man, who will have another chance to bid for one of three places in The Open at next week’s Genesis Scottish Open, followed an opening bogey with four birdies in his next five holes.

He picked up further birdies at the 11th and 17th at TPC Deere Run but ended the day tied for 21st on 13-under-par.

He has work to do to catch leader Thompson, who is seeking his maiden win and the $1.44 million winner’s share of an $8 million purse. “Everybody is hungry,” said Thompson, who shot a nine-under 62 to lead by two shots from Eric Cole and England’s Aaron Rai on 21-under.

Among the top 11 on the leaderboard only Cole and Finland’s Sami Valimaki, six back on 15-under, have already qualified for The Open.

“That’s what makes it difficult out here,” Thompson said on the battle for a precious two-year exemption on the PGA Tour plus other bonuses such as starts in The Open and the Masters.

“There are a lot of losers out here every week. At the end of the day, your goal is to win the golf tournament.

“My goal tomorrow is just hit the first tee shot on one and then the second shot and the third shot and just stack good shots on top of each other.

“I feel like I have been playing well. Just tried to keep it going. Yeah. Hopefully, I’ve got one more good one in me tomorrow.”