With most of the top players already in England preparing for the 2014 British Open, a distinct international flavor is set to entertain golf fans at the 2014 John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois. Held at the TPC Deere Run golf course, a cool $4.7 million is up for grabs for the 156-man field which features 34 international players coming from 14 different countries.
All eyes, however, will be on 20-year old American Jordan Spieth as he looks set to defend his first-ever title. Read on for more on the young favorite and check out our picks for the full list of high-value sleepers in this field that could challenge Spieth in this weekend’s tournament.
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2014 John Deere Classic Preview and Prediction
Favorites – Jordan Spieth and Steve Stricker
Jordan Spieth comes into the 2014 John Deere Classic as the reigning champion after winning his first-ever PGA tour title last year, in the process becoming the first teenager ever to win a tournament on the PGA Tour. He finished the tournament last year with three-straight rounds of 65 and held off both David Hearn and 2012 champion Zach Johnson in a playoff.
[sc:Golf240banner ]The 2013 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year has broken into the top 10 of the world golf rankings this season and is the odds-on favorite at +800 to retain the only title in his young career.
Steve Stricker, on the other hand, has been simply dominant in this competition, having won it three-straight times from 2009-2011. His familiarity with the TPC Deere Run golf course gives him a unique advantage against his competitors and is a good pick for bettors at +1,000 to win his fourth title in Illinois.
Best Value – Zach Johnson and Kevin Na
Zach Johnson had a chance to win back-to-back John Deere titles last year but Spieth stole his thunder with a stunning performance in the final round. Past champions seem to do well here, and at +1,200 to take home the crown once again, Johnson is as likely to take it home as either of the top two favorites.
Kevin Na has been one of the most consistent golfers on the tour this season. He has finished in the top-ten five times this year, as he has climbed to 38th in the world rankings. He is a good pick at +2,800 to win his second PGA Tour title.
Long Shots – Retief Goosen and Boo Weekley
Whenever you have a major champion in your tournament, it enhances the quality of the competition. That is what Retief Goosen will offer the field in this year’s John Deere Classic, which is lacking the usual big names because of its close proximity to the British Open.
The South African may be struggling with his game right now, having only two top-10 finishes this year, but the two-time US Open champion’s experience should never be counted out. Goosen is an intriguing bet at +8,000.
Boo Weekley (+8,000) has struggled so far this season with his fifth-place finish at the Byron Nelson Classic last year his only top five finish this season. That being said, you can’t discount the three-time PGA Tour winner from springing a surprise especially in a thinner field.
Writer’s Prediction
Jordan Spieth will follow up his maiden victory last year with a dominant performance this week to win his second straight John Deere title in a relatively weak field.
