Introduction to the John Deere Classic
The PGA Tour is heading to Silvis, Illinois, for the John Deere Classic, with Ben Griffin leading the betting market at TPC Deere Run. Griffin has shown significant improvement and is looking to build on his recent victories at the Zurich Classic pairs event and the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Course Overview
Deere Run, a 7,257-yard par-71 parkland course, has been hosting this tournament since 2000. It’s known for becoming a birdiefest, with last season’s winner, Davis Thompson, setting a tournament record with a 28-under-par total. The course is straightforward, and having a hot putter is almost essential for success.
Tips for the John Deere Classic
- Michael Thorbjornsen to win & each-way @ 25/1: Thorbjornsen has the potential to claim his first PGA Tour title at a venue where he has previously contended. He finished 17th at Deere Run as an amateur and second the following year after turning professional.
- Kevin Yu to win & each-way @ 28/1: Yu is course-proven, with a sixth-place finish on his John Deere Classic debut and 20th place last season. He’s one of the strongest drivers on the Tour and has shown improvement in his putting.
- Nico Echavarria to win & each-way @ 45/1: Echavarria ranks fifth on the PGA Tour for strokes-gained putting and has the potential to go on long runs of good form. He returns to Deere Run on the back of a confidence-boosting sixth-place finish at the Rocket Classic.
Michael Thorbjornsen’s Chances
Thorbjornsen is a powerhouse who putts well, having battled injuries over the last 12 months. Despite this, he has been excellent in recent appearances, with top-four finishes at the Corales Puntacana Championship and the Rocket Classic. His experience at Deere Run, where he has shown he can contend, makes him a strong contender for the title.
Kevin Yu’s Potential
Yu has all the tools to tame Deere Run, with his strong driving being a significant advantage. He has typically been one of the strongest drivers on the Tour, ranking sixth in strokes-gained off-the-tee. Yu’s putting has held him back in the past, but he has rolled his rock well in both starts on the Deere Run greens and has gained strokes on the field with the flat stick in four of his last five tournaments.
Nico Echavarria’s Putting Prowess
Echavarria’s putting ability makes him a formidable opponent. He ranks fifth on the PGA Tour for strokes-gained putting and is capable of going on long runs of good form. Although he hasn’t shone in his previous starts at Deere Run, his recent sixth-place finish at the Rocket Classic could be the confidence boost he needs to perform well this week.
Conclusion
The John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run is set to be an exciting event, with several golfers having a strong chance of winning. Ben Griffin may be the favorite, but Michael Thorbjornsen, Kevin Yu, and Nico Echavarria are all contenders who could take advantage of the course’s birdie-filled nature. Each of these golfers has the skills and recent form to make a significant impact at the tournament. Remember to gamble responsibly and consider the odds and form of each golfer before making your decision.
