John Deere Classic Preview and Picks

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🏆 John Deere Classic Field

The John Deere Classic field this week features 35 of the top 100 players in the Official World Rankings, including 7 from the top 50. Notable players in the top 100 include Ben Griffin (17), Sungjae Im (25), Jason Day (28), J.T. Poston (43), Denny McCarthy (45), Lucas Glover (46), Aldrich Potgieter (49), Nico Echavarria (51), Matt McCarty (53), Michael Kim (55), Stephan Jaeger (56), Tom Kim (58), Bud Cauley (59), Chris Kirk (61), Davis Thompson (62), Si Woo Kim (64), Sam Stevens (65), Kevin Yu (66), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (67), Joe Highsmith (68), Jacob Bridgeman (69), Ryan Gerard (71), Austin Eckroat (75), Nick Dunlap (76), Thriston Lawrence (77), Eric Cole (83), Jake Knapp (85), Thorbjorn Olesen (88), Ryo Hisatsune (90), Max McGreevy (91), Patrick Rodgers (92), Keith Mitchell (93), Victor Perez (97), Taylor Moore (98), and Max Homa (99).

Compared to last year, which saw 32 top-100 players and 7 top-50 players, this year's field shows a slight increase in overall depth. The field also boasts two players in the top 25 of the 2025 FedEx Cup standings: Ben Griffin (6) and Sungjae Im (24).

Six past champions are returning to compete: Davis Thompson (2024), J.T. Poston (2022), Lucas Glover (2021), Dylan Frittelli (2019), Michael Kim (2018), and Zach Johnson (2012).

📊 Data-Driven Insights for Fantasy & Betting

If you’re serious about making the best picks this week, our GolfStats tools have you covered.

• Our Performance Chart ranks players by their average finish of all players at the John Deere Classic, helping you identify those who consistently contend.

• Our GolfStats Custom Formula highlights the best performers at this event over the last five years, factoring in course history and key stats.

• Our Sortable 8-Year Glance lets you track trends, breakout performances, and potential sleepers at the John Deere Classic.

These tools are invaluable whether you’re betting, setting a DFS lineup, or simply looking for an edge in your fantasy league. Check out the full blog post for DK fantasy advice.

⛳ John Deere Classic - And the Private Jet Perk

The PGA Tour heads to Silvis, Illinois, for the John Deere Classic, a week where many top-ranked players opt for rest before the British Open and FedExCup playoffs. Despite only seven top-50 players in the field, the John Deere Classic remains a beloved event for the local community, known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong sponsor support. This week presents a prime opportunity for players outside the top 70 in the FedExCup standings to make a significant move.

Predicting a winner at the John Deere Classic can be challenging, as evidenced by past champions like Sepp Straka, who came from seemingly nowhere to win. Straka's remarkable comeback in 2023, with rounds of 63-65-62 after an opening 73, highlights the unpredictable nature of this tournament. This suggests that an unexpected winner could emerge again this year. While Aldrich Potgieter is coming off a win, and Ben Griffin is currently playing hot, the course often favors players who don't necessarily bomb it off the tee. TPC Deere Run is particularly suited for players with driving distances between 60 and 80 in the rankings.

Players to Watch:

Zach Johnson: A Ryder Cup captain and a past champion (2012), Johnson has a strong history at the John Deere Classic, having played 72 holes in 19 of his 22 starts. While a win might be a long shot at 49, a top-ten finish is certainly within his capabilities.

Lucas Glover: The 2021 champion, Glover, could contend again if his putting heats up.

J.T. Poston: The 2022 champion is looking to regain his form and could be a factor.

Last Week in Detroit: Aldrich Potgieter's victory last week was a testament to his burgeoning talent, drawing comparisons to the early careers of Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy. Potgieter's ability to hit it long and straight, coupled with his putting prowess, makes him a formidable player. While he's not currently in the British Open, his next start at the Scottish Open offers a chance to qualify, and he's highly motivated to play at Portrush.

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A Haven for First-Time Winners: The John Deere Classic has a rich history of producing first-time PGA Tour winners, with 24 rookies claiming victory since 1973, including 12 of the last 24 years. This trend continued last year with Davis Thompson's maiden PGA Tour win. This tournament consistently provides a platform for emerging talent to break through.

The Private Jet Perk: One of the unique advantages of playing the John Deere Classic, especially when it was scheduled before the British Open, was the private jet service that transported players directly to the Open venue. Even with the schedule change, the flight now takes players to the Scottish Open, offering a seamless, non-stop journey from the Quad Cities to Edinburgh. This perk, which costs players a reasonable $2,000 donation to the Birdie for Charity bonus fund, is a significant draw for players like Ben Griffin and Keith Mitchell, highlighting the tournament's commitment to player experience.

@bengriffingolf

Scotland here we go! Awesome week @JohnDeereClassic #pgatour #golf #scotland #pga

Tournament Information

History of the John Deere Classic: Established in 1971 as the Quad City Open, the John Deere Classic has a storied history. It began in Davenport, Iowa, before moving to Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley in 1974, and finally to its current home, TPC Deere Run, in Silvis in 2000. A notable moment in the tournament's history occurred in 2005 when Michelle Wie attempted to become the first woman since Babe Didrikson Zaharias to make a PGA cut, narrowly missing it by one shot.

Historically, the John Deere Classic's scheduling a week before the British Open posed challenges in attracting a strong field. However, since 2023, the event has been strategically moved two weeks before the British Open, resulting in a more competitive field with more marquee players.

TPC Deere Run:

• Location: Silvis, IL

• Yardage: 7,289 yards

• Par: 35-36–71

• Course Rating: 75.6

• Slope Rating: 145 (from championship tees)

TPC Deere Run, part of the TPC network, is open to public play and offers local memberships. The course is built on the former Friendship Farm, an Arabian horse breeding operation, preserving its natural beauty with rolling hills and wooded ravines. Designed by D.A. Weibring, the course integrates natural features, with the Rock River visible on nine holes. The course features 76 strategically placed bunkers, which have recently been renovated to increase their impact on play. While some blind shots and chipping areas exist, the course emphasizes precision over power with its gentle doglegs.

 Key Stats for Success at TPC Deere

Success at TPC Deere Run hinges on specific statistical strengths, particularly given the course's unique characteristics. Based on data from last year's John Deere Classic and 2025 player statistics, the following key stats are crucial for contention:

1. Strokes Gained Off-the-Tee: TPC Deere Run is a rare course that benefits shorter hitters, as long hitters often have to throttle back to avoid running out of fairway. The course's average driving distance is around 293.4 yards, and driving accuracy is relatively low (66.54%). This favors players who hit it short and straight. Past winners like J.T. Poston (104th in driving distance in 2022) and Sepp Straka (105th in 2023) exemplify this trend. Davis Thompson, last year's winner, gained significant strokes off the tee by prioritizing accuracy over raw distance.
   

2. Strokes Gained Putting: Despite many past TPC winners being known for their putting struggles, they often perform exceptionally well on the relatively flat greens of the John Deere Classic. Last year, TPC Deere Run ranked lower in putting average and 3-putt avoidance, indicating that good putters can gain a significant advantage. Davis Thompson, the 2024 champion, ranked 1st in putting average and 5th in Strokes Gained Putting for the tournament.
   

3. Strokes Gained Total: This comprehensive statistic combines all aspects of a player's game (Off-the-Tee, Approach-the-Green, Around-the-Green, and Putting) to show overall performance relative to the field. Winners at the John Deere Classic consistently rank high in Strokes Gained Total, demonstrating a well-rounded game. Davis Thompson's victory last year was largely due to his top ranking in this metric, showcasing his proficiency across all areas of play.
   

4. Birdie Average: TPC Deere Run is a birdie-friendly course, with a high number of birdies made annually. Last year, 2,058 birdies were recorded, making it one of the easiest courses on tour for scoring. To win here, players must be aggressive and capitalize on birdie opportunities. Davis Thompson, the 2024 champion, led the field with 30 birdies, underscoring the importance of this stat.

In summary, the John Deere Classic is a tournament where precision off the tee, strong putting, a well-rounded game, and a high birdie count are paramount. While the field may not always feature the top-ranked players, the course's design and conditions create an exciting environment for low scoring and often crown unexpected champions. This week, expect players to focus on making as many birdies and eagles as possible on a course that offers a welcome break from the more challenging venues of recent weeks. Check out the full Composite Rankings listing (Golf IQ subscription required).

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