Chris Haack, former coach at the University of Georgia, has produced a talented group of golfers who have gone on to succeed on the PGA Tour. Most recently, Davis Thompson joined the ranks of Haack’s successful protégés by winning the John Deere Classic, his first title in 63 career starts. A former two-time All-American and SEC Golfer of the Year in 2021, Thompson, 25, has been making his mark on the tour with strong showings, including a runner-up finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and a ninth-place finish at the U.S. Open.
Thompson’s victory at the John Deere Classic was a dominant one, winning by four strokes with a tournament-record score of 28-under 256. The win earned him $1.44 million in prize money and secured him a spot in prestigious tournaments such as the British Open and the 2025 Masters. Haack, who coached Thompson during his time at Georgia, expressed his pride in his former player’s success and looks forward to seeing his career continue to unfold.
Notably, Thompson is now the 12th Georgia golfer coached by Haack to win on the PGA Tour, following in the footsteps of other successful alumni like Bubba Watson, Harris English, Chris Kirk, Kevin Kisner, and Brian Harman. Thompson joins a select group of former Bulldogs who have found success at the highest level of professional golf, showcasing the quality of the program under Haack’s guidance. The camaraderie among Georgia golfers on the tour is apparent, with Thompson acknowledging the unique bond they share as competitors who also support each other’s success.
Thompson’s roots in Georgia run deep, as he was born in Atlanta, and his father, Todd, was a golf captain at the University of Georgia in the late 1980s. Growing up as a Georgia fan, Thompson has always felt a strong connection to the university and strives to represent the school with excellence on the golf course. His recent success on the PGA Tour is a testament to his dedication and talent, as well as the coaching and support he received during his time at Georgia.
The impact of Haack’s coaching can be seen not only in Thompson’s success but also in the numerous other Georgia alumni who have achieved victory on the PGA Tour. From Russell Henley to Keith Mitchell, Haack’s former players have made their mark in professional golf, showcasing the strength of the program and the level of talent it produces. As Thompson’s career continues to unfold, he will undoubtedly add to the legacy of success that Haack has established at the University of Georgia.
In conclusion, Davis Thompson’s win at the John Deere Classic is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the coaching he received at the University of Georgia under Chris Haack. Becoming the 12th Georgia golfer coached by Haack to win on the PGA Tour, Thompson joins a prestigious group of alumni who have found success at the highest level of professional golf. With a bright future ahead of him, Thompson will continue to carry on the tradition of excellence established by Haack and the University of Georgia golf program.
