The John Deere Classic from TPC Deere Run

Tee-off: 7/9/2009

Kenny Perry will look to make it two in a row when he travels to Silva, Illinois and the TPC Deere Run Golf Course for the 2009 John Deere Classic.

Perry won the 2008 John Deere and is coming off of a victory in the Traveler’s Championship. He skipped last week’s AT&T National won by Tiger Woods, but if history holds true, Kenny should be a tough guy to beat in the John Deere this week.

Let’s take a look at some of the contenders to hoist the John Deere Classic trophy on Sunday.

Golf: John Deere Classic To Win

1. Steve Stricker +1200 – - The stats on Stricker are exceptional. He’s ranked 17th in green’s hit in regulation, 5th in proximity to the hole, 3rd in putts per greens in regulation and 10th in birdie average. He’s been consistent enough this year to expect a bounce back as he hasn’t been that great in his last couple of tournaments. A win is very likely for Stricker.

2. Zach Johnson +1600 – - Johnson will be fighting personal history at TPC Deere Run as he hasn’t done all that well on this course. He does have two victories in 2009, though, and for a while was leading in the FedEx Cup Points Standings. But the history could work against him even though he is ranked 10th in driving accuracy on the PGA Tour. At the odds, I’m hoping for a bounce back from Johnson in the John Deere but wouldn’t be surprised if none came from Johnson.

3. Kenny Perry +900 – - I love Kenny Perry going into the John Deere and would have made him the top choice in this, but winning back to back PGA Tour Events is very tough to do. Perry was sensational two weeks ago in the Traveler’s Championship and no doubt he easily makes it into the top ten in the John Deere Classic, but putting two fantastic tournaments together like that is almost impossible for any golfer to do. I can’t put him on top because of the Golf odds, but he definitely could prove me wrong in this.

4. Lucas Glover +1800 – - Glover shows up again. The U.S. Open Champion hasn’t taken a week off since his Major victory which in itself is an accomplishment. The fact that he’s golfed so well in those tournaments is a plus when thinking about wagering on Glover to win. He’s just at the top of his game right now. He finished 5th last week at the AT&T National and is ranked 1st in total driving and 5th in birdie average.

5. David Toms +1400 – - Toms has tied for 2nd in two of his last 3 starts. His top ranking in driving accuracy and 2nd ranking in scoring average makes him a very difficult guy to pass up in the sportsbook in this event. Toms should be on the cusp of a victory. With the heavy hitters skipping this one, this one could be it.

Best Long Shot

Woody Austin +3500 – - Austin has posted rounds of par or better in 17 of his last 20
rounds in the John Deere Classic. He finished tied for 9th in 2008. Austin likes the TPC Deere Run Course and at the odds should be considered for a bet in this.