JOHN DEERE CLASSIC

July 4, 2026

Ben Kohles

TPC Deere Run

Quick Quotes

Q. Off to a great start. Two birdies to start the run. How much did that jump-start you and get you to where you need to be?

BEN KOHLES: Yeah, I try to look at it as every hole matters the same. It always helps to get off it an early start, get some momentum. You know with the conditions after all the rain last night, you know it's going to be relatively easier, softer conditions. Scoring is going to be lower.

Just making birdies is always key out here. You know, like I said, especially with the conditions. So, yeah, I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be about the same.

So still going on have to keep the foot on the gas and keep going low.

Q. One back at this point. What's the mentality? What do you take into tonight as you get ready for tomorrow?

BEN KOHLES: Yeah, I mean, just. Keep doing what I've been doing. Nothing is really going to change. Looking to do the same thing, doing the same routine, and going at it again tomorrow.

Q. You mentioned the course conditions. How much did they change with that rain last night and this morning?

BEN KOHLES: A little bit. I mean, nothing crazy, but obviously making the fairways softer, which makes them wider. You're not going being getting as much bounce through the fairways for them to roll off into the rough.

The greens are definitely more receptive. You can be a little bit more aggressive, not worrying about it rolling through. Not that they were really firm before, but you know, obviously all that rain makes them even softer. You see a lot of guys, a lot of spin. Trying to control your spin is really the biggest important thing.

Q. That said, with ball in hand, were you surprised the scores weren't even lower than what they were today?

BEN KOHLES: A little bit. I mean, I think they had some good pins out there. Yeah, I mean, this course is great. If you miss and you're just a little off, the rough is really good. Around the greens is tough. Definitely off the fairway is tough too.

You still got to hit a lot of good shots, but yeah, I expect the scores are still a little bit lower. So, yeah, like I said, just more of the same tomorrow.

Q. You're in that winner's house out there. Will you ask any of those guys what it would be like to get your first wine here at the JDC?

BEN KOHLES: No, they're all my buds. I've been watching my friends win for years. You know, I've obviously had a good run on the Korn Ferry TOUR and won a few times there. I know what it takes. I just got to sack up and do it tomorrow.