Hayden Springer honors late daughter with record-breaking 59 – “She Would Want Me To Be Here”

Hayden Springer joined an elite club in golf history by shooting a remarkable 59 in the first round of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic. This impressive achievement is only the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history, placing Springer among a rare group of golfers who have reached this milestone. But the story behind this incredible performance is one of resilience and overcoming immense personal tragedy.

Springer’s record-breaking round at the TPC Deere Run course was nothing short of spectacular. He started strong with an 8-under 27 on the front nine, including an eagle at the par-5 2nd hole and four consecutive birdies.

On the back nine, after five straight pars, Springer reignited his momentum with a dramatic hole-out eagle from 55 yards on the par-5 17th hole, setting the stage for a birdie on the 18th to secure his 59. This performance gave him a four-shot lead after the morning wave in Thursday’s first round.

Hayden Springer’s golf journey has been marked by perseverance and a steadfast commitment to his sport, despite significant challenges. At 27 years old, Springer has faced the typical ups and downs of a professional golfer. He has missed eight of 14 cuts this season and ranks 127th in FedEx Cup points.

However, his recent performance at the John Deere Classic has brought new hope and recognition to his career. Tragically, Hayden Springer and his family endured the devastating loss of his 3-year-old daughter, Sage, to complications from Trisomy 18 last November. This personal tragedy has shaped his journey and his approach to the game.

Hayden Springer: A Record-Breaking Round Dedicated to His Daughter

Hayden Springer’s round of 59 was not just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal achievement. Reflecting on his performance, Springer dedicated the round to his late daughter, Sage.

“I think at the end of the day, Sage would want me to be here and to be trying to advance my career and all of that, as well,” he said.

Hayden Springer’s journey to this point has been one of resilience. After his daughter’s passing, he earned his PGA Tour card for the first time in December at Q-School. Despite missing several cuts this season, his determination and focus have remained unshaken.

“It’s pretty special to be able to do that,” Springer said. “I mean, played well last week, but it’s been a little bit tough to kind of find anything and get stuff going and go low. So it is special. It feels good to be standing here and to have shot a good round of golf.”

He attributes his recent success to reuniting with his childhood coach, Rosey Bartlett, which helped him rediscover his form and confidence.

“She’s coached me since I was 6 years old,” Springer shared. “So I took a little break from her for a couple years and then just these last — before last week, these last six tournaments missing those cuts I felt like I needed to get something going, so she was able to help me.”

Hayden Springer’s record-breaking performance at the John Deere Classic is a testament to his resilience and determination. The 59 not only marks a significant achievement in his professional career but also serves as a poignant reminder of his personal journey and the strength he has shown in the face of adversity.

As Hayden Springer celebrated his 59 with a fist pump and a smile, he carried the memory of his daughter with him, finding solace and inspiration in her spirit.

His story serves as an inspiration to many. His ability to channel his grief into motivation and achieve such a rare feat in golf underscores the resilience and determination that define his character. The support of his family, including his wife Emma and their daughter Annie, has been a crucial part of his journey.

Hayden Springer’s remarkable 59 at the John Deere Classic is more than just a number on a scorecard. It is a story of resilience, dedication, and the power of love and memory. As he moves forward in his career, Springer’s journey will continue to inspire and remind us of the incredible strength of the human spirit.