The PGA Tour heads to Silvis, Illinois, this Fourth of July weekend for the 2025 John Deere Classic, held at the par-71, 7,289-yard TPC Deere Run. Known for yielding birdie barrages and the occasional record-breaking round, Deere Run has become a summer tradition, offering players a chance to secure FedEx Cup points, boost their confidence heading into the Open Championship, and pocket a piece of an $8.4 million purse.
While it may not carry the same prestige as a major, the John Deere Classic has a knack for delivering thrilling finishes. Fans have come to expect fireworks on the leaderboard, and with soft summer conditions often leaving greens receptive, scoring can quickly spiral into the mid-20s under par. Last year, Davis Thompson set a blistering pace at -28, demonstrating just how low the numbers can go at TPC Deere Run.
Favorites Entering Deere Run
Leading the field this year is Ben Griffin, who comes in as the 16-1 betting favorite. Griffin has surged in the past season, claiming two PGA Tour victories and posting runner-up finishes at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. His well-rounded game, featuring precise iron play and a confident putting stroke, makes him a dangerous competitor on a course like Deere Run where birdie looks are plentiful. Griffin’s ability to stay aggressive while avoiding big mistakes will be key as he seeks to capture his third title of the season.
Jason Day also arrives with significant attention, carrying 25-1 odds after a strong T-4 showing at the Travelers Championship. Though Day’s schedule has been somewhat irregular in recent seasons, his experience and proven ability to go low keep him firmly in the mix. TPC Deere Run suits players who can dial in their wedges and putters, and Day’s history as one of the game’s premier short-game artists could position him for a deep run.
Meanwhile, Thompson will attempt to defend his title, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished at the John Deere since Steve Stricker’s three-peat from 2009 to 2011. Thompson’s victory last year demonstrated his talent for capitalizing on scoring opportunities, and he returns with confidence on a course where he’s already tasted success.
Contenders and Rising Stars
Beyond the headliners, several potential contenders could make noise this week. Denny McCarthy has established himself as a name to watch, particularly on courses where precision putting is paramount. He’s posted three consecutive top-10 finishes at Deere Run, and his deft touch on the greens makes him a legitimate threat. McCarthy enters the week with momentum and the kind of steady game that can thrive on a track known for low scoring.
Chris Kirk, coming off a near-miss in Detroit, also brings intriguing upside. Though he has struggled with consistency at times, Kirk’s iron game remains sharp, and his experience could serve him well if he finds himself in contention over the weekend.
Meanwhile, rookie Michael Thorbjornsen has quickly shown he belongs on the PGA Tour, racking up two runner-up finishes this season. His combination of distance off the tee and composed course management has raised eyebrows, and he’ll be eager to notch his first career victory in a field that presents a real opportunity for a breakthrough.
According to FanDuel, several intriguing names sit deeper on the odds board, offering potential value plays for bettors looking beyond the favorites:
- +4000: Sam Stevens, Kevin Yu, Thorbjørn Olesen, Chris Gotterup, Pierceson Coody, Bud Cauley
- +4500: Ryan Gerard, Alex Smalley
- +5000: Keith Mitchell, Mark Hubbard
- +5500: Kurt Kitayama, Rickie Fowler
- +6000: Nico Echavarria, Stephan Jaeger
- +6500: Vince Whaley, Andrew Putnam
- +7000: Taylor Moore, Victor Perez, Kevin Roy, Emiliano Grillo, Jacob Bridgeman, Thriston Lawrence
- +7500: Ryo Hisatsune, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Tom Kim, Jesper Svensson
- +8000: Lee Hodges, Matt McCarty, Cameron Champ, Patrick Rodgers, Eric Cole, Rico Hoey
- +9000: Seamus Power
Under-the-Radar Names to Watch at Deere Run
While big names like Griffin and Day headline the field, the John Deere Classic has long been fertile ground for surprise contenders. One intriguing name this week is Alex Smalley, who’s quietly put together a solid season. Smalley ranks among the Tour’s leaders in strokes gained approach, and his ball-striking consistency could translate well to Deere Run’s birdie-friendly layout. Though he’s yet to claim a Tour win, his top-10 potential makes him a player worth tracking as the week unfolds.
Stevens is another sleeper who could make noise. Known for a powerful yet controlled tee game, Stevens has flashed moments of brilliance in weaker-field events over the past two seasons. If his putting cooperates, he possesses the length to set up plenty of scoring chances at a course like Deere Run, where players often need to post multiple rounds in the mid-60s to contend.
Rounding out this trio is Cristobal Del Solar, the Chilean star enjoying a strong year after coming over from the Korn Ferry Tour. His accuracy with irons and improving short game give him a well-rounded profile for a course that rewards precision over distance. With greens receptive and birdie chances plentiful, Del Solar’s consistency could carry him into contention.
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