BlogJohn Deere Preview and Picks

John Deere Classic

July 12th – 15th, 2018

TPC Deere Run

Silvis, IL

Par: 71 / Yardage: 7,268

Purse: $5.8 million

with $1,044,000 to the winner

Defending Champion:
Bryson DeChambeau

by Sal Johnson

Founder, Chief Data Officer, GOLFstats

E-mail me at:
sal@golfstats.com

This week’s field includes:

The field includes 13 of the top-100 players and 4 of the top 50 in the latest Official World Rankings.  Those in the field in the top 50 are #15 Francesco Molinari, #22 Bryson DeChambeau, #38 Kyle Stanley and #48 Siwoo Kim.

Last year, there were 17 top-100 players and 7 top-50 players.

The field includes 5 of the top 25 on the FedEx point standings for 2018, #6 Bryson DeChambeau, #17 Chesson Hadley, #19 Andrew Landry, #24 Austin Cook and #25 Aaron Wise.

The field includes 7 past champions: Bryson DeChambeau (2017), Ryan Moore (2016),  Zach Johnson (2012), Steve Stricker (2011, ’10 & 09), Jonathan Byrd (2007), John Senden (2006) and Sean O’Hair (2005).

A perfect way for fantasy golfers to check on the past performance of all the players in the John Deere Classic field is our performance chart listed by the average finish.  Another way to check who is the best is through a special formula worked out in Golfstats that gives us the best average performances at the John Deere Classic field in the last five years or check out our sortable 8-year glance at the John Deere Classic field.

A good cheat sheet is this list of odds from the top bookmakers in England.

Another cheat sheet is this list of odds from the top bookmaker in Las Vegas.

Time to look at our who’s hot and who isn’t:

Who’s Hot in the field for the John Deere Classic

Player Greenbrier Quicken Loans National Travelers U.S. Open FedEx St. Jude Memorial Fort Worth Byron Nelson The Players Wells Fargo Zurich Classic Texas Open RBC Heritage
Bryson DeChambeau
(232.17 pts)
DNP DNP T9
(45)
T25
(33.33)
DNP Win
(88)
T42
(2.67)
DNP T37
(6.5)
4
(26.67)
DNP DNP T3
(30)
Francesco Molinari
(172 pts)
DNP Win
(132)
DNP T25
(33.33)
DNP DNP DNP DNP CUT
(-5)
T16
(11.33)
DNP DNP 49
(0.33)
Joaquin Niemann
(166.33 pts)
T5
(70)
T17
(33)
DNP DNP CUT
(-6.67)
T6
(40)
T8
(16.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP 6
(20)
DNP
Brian Gay
(136.33 pts)
T39
(11)
T8
(50)
DNP T20
(40)
T12
(25.33)
T44
(4)
DNP 12
(12.67)
T72
(0)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T70
(0)
Chesson Hadley
(129.17 pts)
DNP T8
(50)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-13.33)
DNP T40
(6.67)
T20
(10)
DNP T11
(19.5)
T16
(11.33)
T4
(26.67)
T20
(10)
T7
(18.33)
Zach Johnson
(122.67 pts)
DNP DNP T19
(31)
T12
(50.67)
DNP T40
(6.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T75
(0)
DNP T15
(11.67)
5
(23.33)
T42
(2.67)
Joel Dahmen
(121.33 pts)
T5
(70)
T23
(27)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP T20
(10)
T16
(11.33)
DNP T16
(11.33)
T25
(8.33)
T75
(0)
DNP
Andrew Putnam
(120.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T27
(23)
DNP DNP 2
(66.67)
DNP T20
(10)
T42
(2.67)
DNP T82
(0)
T15
(11.67)
T8
(16.67)
DNP
Kyle Stanley
(113.67 pts)
DNP T32
(18)
T15
(35)
CUT
(-13.33)
DNP T2
(66.67)
DNP DNP CUT
(-5)
T13
(12.33)
DNP DNP DNP
Austin Cook
(104.33 pts)
T5
(70)
DNP CUT
(-10)
DNP T6
(40)
CUT
(-6.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T46
(2)
T34
(5.33)
DNP T30
(6.67)
T50
(0.33)
Kevin Tway
(91.67 pts)
DNP 73
(0)
T6
(60)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
T65
(0)
T5
(23.33)
T9
(15)
T46
(2)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T36
(4.67)
T67
(0)
Alex Cejka
(89.33 pts)
T13
(37)
T32
(18)
T33
(17)
DNP DNP T40
(6.67)
T66
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T27
(7.67)
T31
(6.33)
DNP DNP
Ryan Moore
(88 pts)
T13
(37)
DNP CUT
(-10)
DNP DNP T13
(24.67)
DNP DNP T30
(10)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP 7
(18.33)
T16
(11.33)
Ryan Blaum
(86.33 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T23
(27)
T12
(38)
DNP T18
(21.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T6
(20)
T77
(0)
T84
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
Kelly Kraft
(81.33 pts)
2
(100)
CUT
(-10)
T47
(3)
DNP 66
(0)
T35
(10)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-5)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
Richy Werenski
(78.83 pts)
T69
(0)
CUT
(-10)
T26
(24)
CUT
(-13.33)
T4
(53.33)
DNP T74
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
T23
(13.5)
CUT
(-3.33)
T25
(8.33)
T11
(13)
CUT
(-3.33)
Andrew Landry
(78.33 pts)
DNP T8
(50)
CUT
(-10)
DNP DNP T65
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T67
(0)
WD
(-1.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
Win
(44)
T42
(2.67)
Steve Stricker
(77.5 pts)
DNP DNP DNP T20
(40)
T18
(21.33)
DNP T32
(6)
DNP T23
(13.5)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP DNP
C.T. Pan
(75.67 pts)
T39
(11)
T17
(33)
CUT
(-10)
DNP T18
(21.33)
DNP T20
(10)
T32
(6)
T46
(2)
T76
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T23
(9)
Harold Varner III
(73.17 pts)
T5
(70)
T41
(9)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-13.33)
T51
(0)
DNP DNP DNP T7
(27.5)
T55
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
Troy Merritt
(69 pts)
DNP T17
(33)
CUT
(-10)
DNP T12
(25.33)
DNP DNP T53
(0)
DNP T42
(2.67)
T10
(13.33)
T36
(4.67)
DNP
Nick Watney
(68.83 pts)
T30
(20)
T64
(0)
CUT
(-10)
DNP DNP T57
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T37
(6.5)
T2
(33.33)
T31
(6.33)
T20
(10)
T32
(6)
Tyler Duncan
(68.67 pts)
T39
(11)
T41
(9)
T33
(17)
T56
(0)
T37
(8.67)
DNP T71
(0)
T26
(8)
DNP T84
(0)
T7
(18.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
Chris Kirk
(68.33 pts)
DNP DNP DNP DNP T6
(40)
T52
(0)
T11
(13)
DNP T46
(2)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T8
(16.67)
T55
(0)
Bronson Burgoon
(68 pts)
T30
(20)
T6
(60)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP T16
(11.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
David Lingmerth
(64.33 pts)
T11
(39)
T48
(2)
T19
(31)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
T29
(14)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-5)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T51
(0)
T74
(0)
J.T. Poston
(63.33 pts)
T39
(11)
T27
(23)
CUT
(-10)
DNP T18
(21.33)
DNP T20
(10)
T26
(8)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T30
(6.67)
DNP
Dylan Meyer
(63 pts)
DNP T17
(33)
CUT
(-10)
T20
(40)
DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
Sung Kang
(62.33 pts)
DNP 3
(90)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
T57
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
T42
(2.67)
CUT
(-5)
CUT
(-3.33)
36
(4.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
Sam Saunders
(58 pts)
T5
(70)
CUT
(-10)
T47
(3)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T9
(15)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
Ben Crane
(56.33 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T13
(37)
DNP DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP T8
(16.67)
T53
(0)
DNP DNP T31
(6.33)
T11
(13)
DNP
Kevin Streelman
(55.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T32
(18)
T33
(17)
DNP DNP T44
(4)
76
(0)
DNP CUT
(-5)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T8
(16.67)
T7
(18.33)
Scott Piercy
(53 pts)
T74
(0)
DNP DNP T45
(6.67)
WD
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T32
(6)
CUT
(-5)
DNP Win
(44)
CUT
(-3.33)
T16
(11.33)
Patrick Rodgers
(53 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T53
(0)
T26
(24)
T41
(12)
DNP T8
(33.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T53
(0)
CUT
(-5)
T34
(5.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
Keith Mitchell
(52 pts)
T30
(20)
CUT
(-10)
T56
(0)
DNP T37
(8.67)
CUT
(-6.67)
DNP T3
(30)
T77
(0)
T34
(5.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T26
(8)
T55
(0)

How Player Rankings are Computed

Who’s Not Hot in the field for the John Deere Classic

Player Greenbrier Quicken Loans National Travelers U.S. Open FedEx St. Jude Memorial Fort Worth Byron Nelson The Players Wells Fargo Zurich Classic Texas Open RBC Heritage
Matt Every
(-45 pts)
DQ
(-5)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
T55
(0)
D.A. Points
(-41.67 pts)
DNP CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP DNP CUT
(-5)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
Martin Piller
(-40.33 pts)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
CUT
(-6.67)
T77
(0)
T21
(9.67)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
Zhang Xin-jun
(-40 pts)
CUT
(-10)
T64
(0)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP T70
(0)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
Shawn Stefani
(-32.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP T66
(0)
T26
(8)
DNP T42
(2.67)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP
Ricky Barnes
(-31.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP DQ
(-1.67)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T51
(0)
DNP
Patton Kizzire
(-31.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-10)
DNP DNP T74
(0)
T64
(0)
DNP CUT
(-5)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
Andrew Yun
(-30.67 pts)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP DNP T22
(9.33)
T64
(0)
DNP
Matt Atkins
(-30 pts)
CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-10)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP T66
(0)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
T68
(0)
DNP
Kyle Thompson
(-30 pts)
CUT
(-10)
DNP T69
(0)
DNP CUT
(-6.67)
DNP DNP CUT
(-3.33)
DNP CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
CUT
(-3.33)
DNP

How Player Rankings are Computed

The Buzz:

John Deere is probably one of the best sponsors the PGA Tour has, the community loves the event and supports it, even though the marquee names don’t show up.  Shame, but also with the fact that they know the field won’t be great, they are tinkle pink to have this tournament.  Even though the schedule for next year isn’t out (suppose to come out this week) have to think that this event is a clinch that it will return.  Last week Greenbrier found out that they will be moved to the fall, it seems to have been Greenbrier’s choice, they didn’t want to pay for network TV so going to the fall will be cheaper which is ok with them.

The good news is that this week will be a big fight to get higher on the FedEx list.  For players on the border, they have some significant events to make up ground.  Next week for those not playing at the British Open, there is the Barbasol.  Then the Canadian Open, which is wide open since not many marquee players will participate there.  The next week is the Barracuda in Reno which is prime for players, and after the PGA Championship there is the Wyndham so for those on the bubble of keeping their card, the next six weeks is critical.

History of the John Deere

The John Deere Classic was created in 1971. Founded by a businessman in Davenport, Iowa, it began as a satellite PGA event known as the Quad City Open. It stayed in Davenport through 1974, where it subsequently moved to the Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Iowa. The John Deere Classic remained in Coal Valley until 2000, where the move to Silvis coincided with the opening of TPC Deere Run.

The John Deere Classic took center stage in 2005 when Michelle Wie attempted to become the first woman to make a PGA cut since Babe Didrikson Zaharias. After an opening round 1-under, Wie found herself in prime position to make the cut. Through 14 holes in round 2, Wie was 3-under for the day, 4-under for the tournament. Her momentum dissipated on Number 15 as she proceeded to pull her drive severely, then from their chip into a bunker and eventually, made double bogey. Wie ended up missing the cut by one shot.

Since 1997, the event has been the week before the British Open was it was always a struggled to get a good field of players.  In 2008 tournament organizers came up with a plan that helps attract players.  They made a charter flight available in which players would be able to leave the Sunday after play.  It was a comfortable journey as players enjoy big business class seats with minimal hassle in getting to the British Islands since the plane landed at an airport near the venue of the championship.  The charter has been a big hit and helped the tournament land a lot of marquee names.

The tournament began as the Quad Cities Open in 1971 and was a “satellite event” on the PGA Tour. It became an official tour event in 1972. Title sponsors have included Ed McMahon (1974–79), Miller Brewing Company (1982–85), Hardee’s (1986–94) and John Deere (since 1999).

Course Information
  • TPC Deere Run
  • Silvis, Il.
  • 7,257 yards     Par 35-36–71
  • The course rating is 75.6 rating with a slope rating of 145 from the championship tees. The course is part of a TPC network and is open to outside play.  It also sells local memberships.
  • Long before golfers began traveling to TPC Deere Run, native Americans migrated there. They came to this western Illinois location for the bounty of wildlife, the proximity to the Rock River and the natural beauty of rolling hills and wooded ravines.
  • In more recent times, the property became Friendship Farm, one of the top Arabian horse breeding operations in the U.S. As a result, the property was maintained in its most natural beauty and provided a near perfect setting for the property’s destination today, a golf course that appears to have been here for over a 100 years.
  • TPC Deere Run boasts a bit of ancient philosophy and feels to the golf course, which stretches to 7,213 yards, an intimidating length for a par-71 track. Some 74 bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course and vary in depth and shape. There are a few blind shots and chipping areas to confound the best players. There are gentle doglegs, requiring precision more than power.
  • The natural features of the former horse farm high above the Rock River Valley have not been compromised, and the Rock River is visible on nine holes. D.A. Weibring, the course designer, extracted a few trees (less than 20 percent), but he essentially left the property, with its dramatic pitches and rolls, intact. The course inhabits roughly 170 acres, but Weibring and design associate Chris Gray disturbed less than 60 acres during construction.
  • Last year the TPC Deere Run was the 38th hardest course (out of 50) on the PGA Tour playing to a 69.75 average.
  • In 2016 the TPC Deere Run was the 39th hardest course (out of 50) on the PGA Tour playing to a 69.90 average.
  • In 2015 the TPC Deere Run was the 43rd hardest course (out of 52) on the PGA Tour playing to a 69.648 average.
  • In 2014 the TPC Deere Run was the 42nd hardest course (out of 48) on the PGA Tour playing to a 69.764 average.
  • In 2013 the TPC Deere Run was the 36th hardest course on the PGA Tour playing to a 69,397.
  • So the course is easy, in 2015 1,803 birdies (along with 32 eagles) were made during the week, the 3rd most birdies made on any course on the PGA Tour.  Last year 1,805 birdies and 40 eagles were made.

DraftKings tips

*Here are the guys that cost the most on DraftKings this week:

  • Francesco Molinari – $11,600
  • Bryson DeChambeau – $11,400
  • Zach Johnson – $11,200
  • Joaquin Niemann – $10,400
  • Ryan Moore – $10,200
  • Steve Stricker – $9,800
  • Kyle Stanley – $9.700
  • Chesson Hadley – $9,500
  • Austin Cook – $9,300
  • Wesley Bryan – $9,100
  • David Lingmerth – $9,000

This week will be tough, lot’s of choices, and it’s going to be hard to find the right one.  Francesco Molinari at $11,600 is high, but he is playing great, so he is a costly choice.  Bryson DeChambeau at $11,400 is another expensive choice, he is playing well but a lot of money and not a shoe-in to do well as the defender.  Zach Johnson at $11,200 is good because he likes and always plays well at TPC Deere Run.  The same with Ryan Moore at $10,200 and especially Steve Stricker at $9,800.  I also love Joaquin Niemann at $10,400 he has played great since turning professional.  As for Kyle Stanley at $9,700 he is ok, not my first choice and probably one to pass on despite playing good of late.  Chesson Hadley at $9,500 is high because of his 8th place finish in Quicken Loans; still, I would pass on him.  Austin Cook at $9,300 has had some good starts of late but also has missed the cut in 2 of his last 4 starts.  Wesley Bryan at $9,100 is not a good choice at such a high price.  The same with David Lingmerth at $9,000.  He won’t get many takers.  Andrew Landry at $8,700 is high and probably wasn’t the choice.  The only reason he is high is a T-8th at Quicken Loans and a win at Valero Texas.  Still, I would take a pass.

*Players in that $7,600 to $8,900 price range, which ones are worth the money?:

Chris Kirk is high at $8,900 but has been playing well of late. Brian Gay at $8,600 is a gamble, yes has played well of late but his record is not the best at Deere Run, still, he was T-9th in 2011, so I would take him.  Sung Kang at $8,200 is another good choice, he has been solid of late and was T-14th the last time he played at Deere Run. I have liked Kevin Streelman all year and this week at $8,100 he is a reasonable price and should be right for you.  Kelly Kraft at $7,900 is a great price, was T-5th in 2016 and runner-up last week in Greenbrier.  Another very consistent guy is Tyler Duncan at $7,600, he hasn’t played at Deere Run, but I will take a gamble on him.

Some of the “bargains” this week at John Deere

Harold Varner II was good last week in Greenbrier, at $7,400 he may be worth a pick.  Alex Cejka at $7,300 is a good pick, he has been solid and makes it 72 holes which is essential.  Sam Saunders at $7,200 is a good gamble. I think he will make the cut and that is perfect for the price.  I like Chad Campbell at $7,000 because of his consistent record in the John Deere.  He is ten for ten in making cuts, so that is good for a low price like this

Here are some of the secrets of what it takes to play well at the John Deere Classic:

Key stat for the winner:

Hitting lots of greens.  Since the course was first used in 2000, the winners have finished T-5th (Michael Clark II), 4th (David Gossett), 1st (J.P. Hayes), T-5th (Vijay Singh), T-23rd (Mark Hensby), T-2nd (Sean O’Hair) and T-2nd (John Senden) in greens hit showing that if you hit a lot of greens, you will do well.  Yes Jonathan Byrd finished T-25th in 2007, and Kenny Perry finished T-22nd in 2008, Steve Stricker was T-14th in 2009, T-11th in 2010, T-33rd in 2011, Zach Johnson was T26th in 2012 while Jordan Spieth was T34th in 2013, but Brian Harman was T-1st in 2014 with Jordan Spieth finishing T-33rd in 2015.  In 2016 Ryan Moore was T-1st in greens hit with 60 of 72 while Bryson Dechambau was T-11th in greens hit with 57 of 72

Here are some more key stats to look to for this week:

  • A stat that nobody will believe: You would be hard press to know how many top-20 world rank players have won the last 11 John Deere’s?  It’s 7; the only ones not in the top-20 of the world rankings was Jordan Spieth (120th) in 2013, Brian Harman (115) in 2014, Ryan Moore in 2016 who was 59th the week of the Deere and last year with DeChambeau who was 144th
  • Even though the fairways aren’t that demanding, for J.P. Hayes (2002), Mark Hensby (2004) and Sean O’Hair (2005) this has proven to help in their victories.  For the rest of the champions since 1997, they all are between 15th and 49th.  In 2010 Stricker was T-18th, hitting 41 of the 56 fairways, while in 2011 he was T-58th hitting just 36 of 56 fairways. Zach Johnson was T-31st with 41 of 56 while in 2013 Spieth was T-19th in greens hit with 43 of 56.  In 2014 Brian Harman was T-8th hitting 45 of 56 fairways, in 2015 Jordan Spieth was 39th of 56 and ranked T-60th. In 2016 Ryan Moore was T-10th hitting 46 of 56 fairways while last year Bryson DeChambeau was T-32nd hitting 42 of 56.
  • Being in the lead after the third round doesn’t guarantee a victory, especially at the John Deere.  Since 1995 only nine players won, David Toms in 1997, David Gossett in 2001, J.P. Hayes in 2002,  John Senden in 2006, Kenny Perry in 2009, Steve Stricker in 2010/2011, Brian Harman in 2014, Spieth in 2015 and Moore in 2016.  In 2012 Zach Johnson was T-3rd going into the final round, while Jordan Spieth was T9th, six back of third-round leader Daniel Summerhays in 2013.  Last year DeChambeau was T-5th, 4 shots back.   So don’t count on the third round leader to win.
  • The myth of the John Deere was to think about an underdog, or new player that has never won before will win the Deere.  In looking at the winners since the event moved to the TPC course in 2000 between then and 2007 only one true favorite Vijay Singh in 2003 was victorious.  But since the British Open charter went into effect you have marquee names like Kenny Perry in 2008, Steve Stricker in 2009, ’10 & ’11 along with Zach Johnson, Ryan Moore, Jordan Spieth winning and even last year with Bryson DeChambeau.  So you can see how perks like a special charter can change the outlook of a tournament.
  • The tournament has the overall reputation of first-time winners.  Since 1973, 21 rookie winners including nine of the last 18 (J.L. Lewis in 1999, Michael Clark in 2000, David Gossett in 2001, Mark Hensby in 2004, Sean O’Hair, John Senden in 2006, Jordan Spieth in 2013, Brian Harman in 2014 and Bryson DeChambeau) last year have won the John Deere so even though the event has had proven champions win the last seven years you never know.
  • One last essential element, the winner this week will be making lots of birdies.  The TPC Deere Run gave up 1,676 birdies in 2007, 1,714 in 2008 and in 2009 along with 1,810 in 2010, 1,915 in 2011 (most of any course that year), 1,894 in 2012 (again the most on the PGA Tour in 2012), 1,930 in 2013 and 1,844 in 2014, the most of any course on the PGA Tour in ’14 while in 2015 the course gave up 1,803 birdies.  In 2016 1,747 birdies were made while last year there was 1,805.  So look for those that have a high birdie average for the year.
  • The weather has been off and on in the last month.  Still, the Silvis area is looking for some lousy weather starting with Friday’s round. It looks like Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be stormy in the afternoon.

Who to watch for at the John Deere Classic

Best Bets:

Francesco Molinari

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
First time playing in this event

He is playing great and will contend, just have to wonder if this event and Quicken Loans is more important than getting ready for a major.

Steve Stricker

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T5 T52 T35 T11 T10 T5 Win Win Win T51

Yes he is over 50 but this is a tournament that he can win, he loves this course, event and area.

Joaquin Niemann

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
First time playing in this event

Has shown a lot since turning pro and someone that should win very soon.

Best of the rest:

Zach Johnson

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T5 T34 T3 2 T2 Win T3 T21 T2 T69 CUT T33

Another person that loves this event and course and does well year in and year out.

Brandt Snedeker

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T2 T32

Guy is starting to get into a groove and will be very dangerous in any event he plays in.

Andrew Landry

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T8

Guy is starting to warm up and could win again soon.

Ryan Moore

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
CUT Win T24 T7 T22 T8 T34 T74 T27

Another consistent player who could do well this week.

Solid contenders

Bryson DeChameau

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
First time playing in this event

Being a defending champion is always tough, but he has the game and is playing well.

Brian Gay

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
CUT CUT T61 CUT T9 T12 T18

He has had a great year and continues to do well week in and week out.

Kevin Streelman

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T44 CUT CUT T44 T8 CUT 8

Another consistent player who could do some damage this week.

Chris Kirk

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T60 CUT T22 T30 T22

His game seems to get better each week.

Long shots that could come through:

Chad Campbell

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T12 T28 T13 T15 T36 T56 T34 T15 7

Guy has a great record at Deere Run.

Sam Saunders

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
T25 WD T44

Showed that he could win after playing well last week at the Greenbrier.

Alex Cejka

2018 ’17 ’16 ’15 ’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06
CUT T55 T25 WD T3

Guy has been around a long time and always seems to make cuts and checks, could give us a top-20 this week.

Comments

  1. gregwevans@aol.com says

    You left out Patrick Rodgers. Finished second here last year.

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