SILVIS, Ill. -- Doug Ghim made a spectacular start at the John Deere Classic, carding a 9-under 62 to take a one-shot lead after the first round. Ghim's round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole, and he managed to keep bogeys off his card on a day of low scoring.

Ghim, who has been on the PGA Tour for six years, is seeking his first victory on the tour. He leads Max Homa and Austin Eckroat by one shot at the TPC Deere Run, a course known for yielding low scores, with the winning score being 20-under par or lower in 12 of the last 15 years.

"Honestly, any time you can get to 20 under or better you're going to have a chance," Ghim said. "It's still golf. It's still a challenge. You have to hit fairways. I hit a lot of them today. So just trying to shoot forwards of 6 under every day and see where that puts me."

Homa and Eckroat, both previous winners on the PGA Tour, are looking to regain their form. Homa, who played in the last Ryder Cup and reached No. 8 in the world, has been struggling recently with changes in his equipment, coach, and caddie. Eckroat, who won twice in 2024, has yet to finish in the top 10 in 19 starts this year.

Other notable performances include Aldrich Potgieter of South Africa, who shot a 67, and Michael Kim and Sam Stevens, who are part of a group at 64. Kim, a first-time winner at the John Deere Classic in 2018, is looking to improve his world ranking to secure a spot in the upcoming British Open.

The John Deere Classic has a history of producing first-time winners, with 24 since 1970, including Davis Thompson last year, Bryson DeChambeau in 2017, and Jordan Spieth in 2013. Ghim is hoping to add his name to that illustrious list.

With 18 players at 65 or better and more than half of the field breaking 70, the competition remains fierce as the tournament progresses.