The 53rd edition of the John Deere Classic is upon us, and with just five weeks remaining before the FedExCup playoffs, there isn't much time left to accumulate valuable points and secure a spot in the postseason. In Illinois, a very busy period of important commitments is anticipated for the PGA Tour: Open Championship, Olympics, playoffs and Presidents Cup, which will all arrive soon.
The TPC Deere Run course is a wonderful par 71 established in 1998. There is an old-world feel to the course, which has hosted the American circuit since 2010, with plenty of birdie opportunities but also risk/reward scenarios .
Last year, with an amazing Sunday finished in 62 shots, it was Sepp Straka who triumphed, with the Austrian who with that performance definitively launched his candidacy and was then actually called up, and a great protagonist, at the Ryder Cup in Rome.
John Deere Classic, results
But he wasn't the only European to shine, with Ludvig Aberg, making his fourth professional start, finishing joint fourth. But if the Austrian returns to defend the title (and if he does he will be the first to do so since Steve Stricker), the Swede already has his head in the Old Continent for the Scottish Open and the fourth and final major of the season.
Jordan Spieth makes his return to the John Deere Classic for the first time since 2015. The American has won twice on the TPC Deere Run, the first in 2013 (in the circuit's first ever history) and the second just nine years ago in his last appearance.
In the comeback tournament, Jason Day will also make his sixth week in Illinois, who in the past five editions has never missed the cut but has not played this event since the now very old 2011. Always pay attention to the name of Michael Thorbjornsen, the novelty of world golf who is making his way into the pros after topping the PGA TOUR University Rankings.
In a season that has already seen an amateur victory, and a top-10 last week by an amateur, surprises are around the corner.
