In this weekly feature we will list our top (4) expert picks for The John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Illinois.
EXPERT PICKS
1. Jordan Speith
You may recall that Jordan Speith won the John Deere classic in 2013 at the age of nineteen, making him the youngest PGA Tour winner in the last 82 years. After a T-7 last year, Speith is in the field again this year. But his decision has been questioned by many who think he should be in Scotland preparing for the Open Championship where he will continue his quest for the Grand Slam. Although he has been taking some flack for his decision, I like the fact that he is honoring his commitment to play in this tournament. Besides nothing would prepare him for the Open better than a win this week.
2. Steve Stricker
Steve Stricker plays a very limited Tour schedule these days, but when he shows up to play in a tournament, he is ready to go. This week Stricker steps back inside the ropes at the TPC Deere Run where his handicap is an astounding +8.8. Sound insane? Well not really when you consider that Stricker won this tournament three years in a row and has not finished worse than T-11 since his last win here in 2011.
3. Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson's handicap at Deere Run might be only slightly higher than Stricker's, finishing outside the Top 3 only one time in the last six years. The 2012 champion, like Speith, also chose to play in the John Deere Classic and then head over the pond for Open preparation early next week.
4. Kevin Kisner
Kevin Kisner lost in another playoff last week at the Greenebrieer, bringing his 2015 playoff record to 0-3. But just because has hasn't been abel to seal the deal doesn't mean that he hasn't been playing some really good golf. When you look at the numbers, few others have matched his success this season. Kisner has not finished worst than T-12 in any tournament in over a month, and that includes the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.
