As we gear up for the links-style courses at the Scottish Open and the British Open at Royal Troon, there's still plenty of excitement for this week's John Deere Classic. Sure, it might feel a bit overshadowed by the upcoming majors, but the winner here gets a spot in the year’s last major championship—a huge incentive!

 

 

 

The John Deere Classic is known for surprise victories. Remember Lucas Glover's first PGA TOUR win in a decade here in 2021? Or J.T. Poston flying under the radar to win in 2022? And who could forget Sepp Straka's incredible putting display last year? This course has a knack for producing unexpected champions.

Sharp-eyed fans will note that these winners are all reliable fairway finders, just like past runners-up Brendon Todd, Kevin Na, and Ryan Moore. Despite TPC Deere Run's wide fairways, accuracy off the tee is still crucial. This year, with a rain-heavy forecast, we’re in for a wide-open event where players of all styles and skill sets have a shot.

John Deere Classic 2024

The John Deere Classic is the perfect chance for a long-shot winner. If you're feeling bullish about picking an underdog, you might just be onto something. But, picking the right player for TPC Deere Run’s unique challenge? That’s always been a tough call.

So, while we anticipate the big tournaments ahead, let's not overlook the excitement and opportunities the John Deere Classic brings. Here's to another thrilling week of golf and PGA DFS picks!

 

 

 

TPC Deere Run: Course Breakdown

Over the past few weeks, the PGA Tour has swung by some historic courses. Now, we're at TPC Deere Run, a newbie in comparison, with its doors opening in 1999 thanks to course architect D.A. Weibring. Hosting the John Deere Classic since 2000, this course quickly made a name for itself.

Set in the picturesque Rock River Valley, TPC Deere Run offers stunning views and a unique layout. It used to be a horse farm owned by the John Deere family, making the longstanding sponsorship a no-brainer.

While it may lack some of the architectural flair of older courses, TPC Deere Run is always in pristine condition for the tournament. Plus, it’s known for its massive charitable contributions, raising millions for worthy causes. This course, just over 7,200 yards and a par 71, is one of the shorter layouts on the tour. The wide fairways encourage players to go for distance off the tee, leading to some impressive driving stats.

Players often find themselves in a wedge-fest from the fairways, aiming for greens that are fast, tricky, and always well-maintained. The rough, a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue, is tough to escape from, making accuracy off the tee crucial.

History is often made here, like when Steve Stricker won three consecutive years (2009-2011) or when Jordan Spieth became the first teenager to win a PGA Tour event in 2013.

With generous fairways and challenging rough, TPC Deere Run tests players' accuracy and putting skills. Expect lots of birdie opportunities and a low winning score. This week promises exciting action and hopefully, a deserving champion!

 

 

 

2024 John Deere Classic Field

Hey golf fans, guess who's making a comeback at the John Deere Classic? Jordan Spieth! After nine years away, the two-time winner, who wowed us with a third-round 61 in 2015, is returning to TPC Deere Run. His first TOUR win was here in 2013, so it's a special spot for him.

Sepp Straka is aiming to defend his title, something no one has done since Steve Stricker's three-peat from 2009-2011. Straka’s had a solid season with three top-five finishes.

Jason Day is also making a return to TPC Deere Run for the first time since 2011. Fun fact: Day's never missed a cut at this event. He’s been strong this season with four top-10s.

Newcomer Michael Thorbjornsen, who topped the PGA TOUR University rankings, is still finding his footing. After finishing T39 at the Travelers Championship, he’s looking to improve on last year’s T17 finish at the John Deere.

Young talent Luke Clanton from Florida State, who impressed at the U.S. Open and Rocket Mortgage Classic, is hoping to stay hot. Harry Higgs, with two Korn Ferry Tour wins, is back on the PGA TOUR and ready to shine.

Jackson Buchanan, the Big Ten Golfer of the Year, is making his PGA TOUR debut, along with Vanderbilt's Cole Sherwood. Neal Shipley, fresh from turning pro, and sponsor exemptions Andrew Landry, Adam Long, and Kyle Westmoreland round out the field.

 

 

 

PGA Stats To Know: 2024 John Deere Classic

Driving Accuracy - Targets

  • Sepp Straka - 2nd on Tour
  • Lucas Glover - 4th on Tour
  • Aaron Rai - 7th on Tour
  • J.T. Poston - 10th on Tour
  • Ryan Moore - 14th on Tour

Strokes Gained: Putting - Targets

  • Denny McCarthy - 2nd on Tour
  • Justin Suh - 4th on Tour
  • Jason Day - 9th on Tour
  • Ben Silverman - 13th on Tour
  • Tyson Alexander - 15th on Tour

Strokes Gained: Approach - Targets

  • Aaron Rai - 6th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 7th on Tour
  • Patton Kizzire - 8th on Tour
  • Lucas Glover - 13th on Tour
  • Greyson Sigg - 14th on Tour

Best Course History

  • Jordan Spieth - 2 Wins & 7th (3 of 3 Cuts)
  • Lucas Glover - 1st, 2 Top 10s, 15th & 25th (5 of last 8 Cuts)
  • J.T. Poston - 1st & 6th (4 of 6 Cuts)
  • Adam Schenk - Two 4ths & 6th (3 of 4 Cuts)
  • Denny McCarthy - Two 6ths (3 of 5 Cuts)

My Best Bets (34-62 Overall, -5.10 Units)

  • Jordan Spieth: Top 20 (+120)
  • J.T. Poston: Top 20 (+160)
  • Andrew Novak: Top 30 (+175)
  • Patton Kizzire: Top 30 (+190)
  • Neal Shipley: Top 30 (+190)

One & Done Play

  • J.T. Poston

 

 

 

PGA DFS Picks: John Deere Classic 2024

Top-Price DFS 2024 John Deere Classic

Sungjae Im ($10,300)

Sungjae Im is absolutely on fire lately! He’s been racking up top-10 finishes in four of his last six starts, including an impressive third-place finish at the Travelers. At that event, he was solid across the board, gaining strokes in all four major categories. While he’s had some issues with his iron play this season, he just had his best week of the year with his approach shots.

At only 26, Im has already won three times on the PGA Tour and has built a reputation for being super consistent and adaptable. He really shines in easier scoring conditions, which makes him a player to keep an eye on in the coming tournaments. Whether it’s his calm demeanor or his ability to stay cool under pressure, Im is proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.

So, keep an eye on Sungjae Im. He’s been turning heads lately and looks ready to add even more wins to his name!

Davis Thompson ($9,600)

Davis Thompson is on a roll and looking strong for his second go at the John Deere Classic. Last year, he finished a respectable T31st in his debut, but this year, he’s primed to contend. Thompson was phenomenal at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week, finishing just one stroke behind the winner, Cameron Davis. This impressive runner-up finish came right after his stellar T9th at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, marking his best major finish yet.

Thompson’s game is firing on all cylinders right now. He gained strokes in every major category in both of these recent finishes, showcasing his all-around skill. At just 24, Thompson has quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. Known for his consistency and calm under pressure, he’s definitely a player to watch.

With his current form, Thompson is a great pick for the John Deere Classic this week. Don’t be surprised if he makes a serious run for the title!

Denny McCarthy ($9,500)

Denny McCarthy has been a quiet star at the John Deere Classic, landing sixth place the last two years. And why not? The guy is a putting wizard. Last year, he was the top-priced player in the field, which didn’t quite go as planned. But this year, he's a steal in the mid-$9,000s.

Just recently, McCarthy fired a scorching 63 at the Valero Texas Open, finishing 20 under par and narrowly missing out in a playoff to Akshay Bhatia. Known for his putting prowess, McCarthy’s game is tailor-made for courses where the flat stick is key.

At 30, he’s been steadily making his mark on the PGA Tour. While he’s still on the hunt for his first win, his consistent performances, especially on the greens, make him one to watch.

So, keep an eye on Denny McCarthy at the John Deere Classic. He could be the surprise of the week!

 

 

 

Mid-Price DFS 2024 John Deere Classic Picks

J.T. Poston ($9,100)

You’ve got to keep an eye on J.T. Poston when it comes to shorter, easier courses—he’s a former winner here at the John Deere Classic back in 2022. His skills with bentgrass putting and wedges are top-notch, making him a real threat whenever he tees it up.

Coming off solid finishes in the top six at TPC Deere Run, Poston clearly knows his way around this course. He thrives in softer conditions, which plays to his strengths.

At 29, Poston’s proven himself as a consistent performer on the PGA Tour. If you’re looking for someone who could make a serious run this week, he’s definitely one to watch. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix come Sunday at the John Deere Classic!

Luke Clanton ($8,600)

Hey, did you see Luke Clanton tear it up last week? This 20-year-old amateur from Florida State went out there and tied for 10th place—talk about impressive! It’s crazy how these college golfers are coming onto the PGA Tour and holding their own right from the start.

Clanton’s still got a couple more years at Florida State, so he’s definitely someone to keep on your radar. Who knows, maybe he’ll follow in the footsteps of guys like Scott Dunlap, who turned heads early in their careers.

At his age, Clanton’s already proving he’s got the chops to compete at this level. It’s exciting to watch young talents like him shine, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next. Keep an eye on Luke Clanton—he’s definitely a rising star in the making!

Patrick Rodgers ($7,800)

Hey, have you been following Patrick Rodgers’ game lately? He’s been rock-solid at TPC Deere Run, with top-30 finishes in four of his last six starts, including a close second place back in 2017. The guy knows this course well!

Recently, Rodgers has been in a good groove, only missing a couple of cuts in his last eight tournaments. He had a decent T16th at the Travelers Championship and followed it up with a solid T31st at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. His putting has been on fire too, ranking top 15 in Strokes Gained: Putting at both events.

Last year, he was priced way higher, but this time around, he’s a steal of a deal. At 32, Rodgers brings experience and a proven track record at TPC Deere Run. Keep an eye on him this week—he could surprise us with a big finish!

 

 

 

Value-Price DFS 2024 John Deere Classic Picks

Neal Shipley ($7,500)

Have you heard about Neal Shipley? This guy’s starting to turn heads on the PGA TOUR, and he’s seriously underrated. He made history as just the 10th player ever to claim low amateur honors at both the Masters and U.S. Open in the same season—that’s no small feat!

Last week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Shipley didn’t disappoint in his PGA TOUR debut, finishing a strong T20. He was solid across the board, ranking sixth in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and fifth in Strokes Gained: Approach. Plus, he was second in eagles at Detroit Golf Club, showing he’s got game.

Now, Shipley’s taking that momentum to TPC Deere Run, where he’s expected to keep the good times rolling. Don’t be surprised if he pulls off another top-20 finish this week. Keep an eye on this rising star—he’s definitely one to watch!

Patton Kizzire ($6,900)

You’ve gotta check out Patton Kizzire—he’s quietly been killing it on the PGA TOUR lately. In his last six tournaments, he’s cracked the top 30 five times. That’s no small feat!

This season, Kizzire really dialed in with his irons, ranking eighth in Strokes Gained: Approach. It’s been his best year yet, and his precision with those irons is setting him up for success at TPC Deere Run.

He’s already a two-time winner on tour, so he knows how to get it done under pressure. Plus, at the John Deere Classic, he’s been solid with four top-30 finishes in just five appearances.

Keep an eye on Kizzire this week—he’s definitely got the game to make some noise and keep climbing up that leaderboard!

Kelly Kraft ($6,600)

You know who’s flying under the radar this week? Kelly Kraft. He’s one of those guys who always seems to shine on courses like this. His approach shots and putting game are spot on, which makes him a steady player.

Kraft’s putting on bentgrass greens is solid, and he’s been hitting his approaches well, especially from 100-150 yards out. After a strong T-13 finish at the CJ Cup presented by Byron Nelson, he’s clearly in form and ready for another good showing.

I’ve got a feeling Kraft could surprise us again. He knows how to handle these setups, and his recent form speaks for itself. Keep an eye on him—he might just climb up that leaderboard this week!

Player Pool

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