Max Homa. Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Max Homa finally shows signs of life at John Deere Classic

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 11:41 AM ET

Max Homa hasn't had much fun playing competitive golf over the last 15 months, but after notching a top-five finish at the John Deere Classic for the first time since the 2024 Masters, he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Homa shot 63-68-68-69 at TPC John Deere to shoot 16-under par and finish two strokes back of the playoff between Emiliano Grillo and eventual champion Brian Campbell. Although it wasn't the finish he was hoping for, Homa can take solace in the fact that he still has the skill to contend at the highest level.

"Super disappointing, but game felt good, so that’s nice," Homa told reporters after the final round, per PGA Tour.com. "Made a lot of good swings, so could have made some better, I guess, decisions, but for the most part executed about how I wanted to."

"Everyone always tells me, 'You look miserable out there and you need to have fun.' And I never really understood how you just have fun making bogeys."

Max Homa heading into Sunday at the John Deere Classic.

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Homa was right in the mix after making three birdies in his first four holes of the final round, but he went 1-over through his final 14 holes to fall just short of the playoff. Still, his stats were encouraging for the first time in a while.

The 34-year-old finished the week sixth in the field in strokes gained from off the tee (3.954) and second in greens in regulation (59-of-72, 81.94 percent). He gained a combined average of 2.0 true strokes from off the tee and on approach at TPC John Deere, which is his best mark since the 2024 Sentry. For a player who ranks 167th on the PGA Tour this season in strokes gained on approach and 134th in total driving, it was a fantastic ball-striking week.

Unfortunately for Homa, he won't get the immediate chance to build off this momentum. The World No. 98 isn't scheduled to play in the upcoming Genesis Scottish Open and didn't qualify for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

After the final major championship of the year, there are only two more events remaining in the regular season—the 3M Open on July 24 and the Wyndham Championship on July 31. Homa will need to play well in both events to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Currently ranking 98th in the standings, he must crack the top 70 by the end of the regular season to punch his ticket to the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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