While most of the big dogs are preparing for the British Open this week by playing links style golf at Loch Lomond in Scotland or trying to maintain a low profile in Windermere, FL, the rest of the PGA Tour is gearing up for the John Deere Classic in Silvis, IL.
With thoughts of St. Andrews and a long charter flight to Scotland on the minds of Open participants, look for someone not in next week's Open field to step up and grab the title Sunday.
A birdiefest is always possible at the TPC Deere Run course which ranked 43rd out of 54 in difficulty in 2009. At 20-under par last year, Steve Stricker looks to defend his title against a field that includes up and coming star Rickie Fowler, steady Eddy Zach Johnson, and Players Champion Tim Clark. But it could be someone farther down the World Golf rankings who steps up this week, someone without thoughts of kilts, old Nessie, and the Road Hole.
Favorite - Steve Stricker
Dark horse - John Merrick
Sleeper - Kenny Perry
Contender - Zach Johnson
Winner - Marc Leishman
Surprise Not to Make the Cut - Bubba Watson
Interesting info on this weeks golf. Appreciate all the info and insight. Tnks Ryan.
ReplyDeleteWell, the JDC is over and once again, Stricker shows this is his second home, running away from the field for the most part. My pick for Bubba Watson to miss the cut was spot on, but my winner, Leishman, also missed the cut along with notables Stuart Appleby and Rickie Fowler. Perry and Johnson both played steady, but no one was as hot as Stricker.
ReplyDeleteSafe flight to the players taking the charter flights to Scotland and the Old Course at St. Andrews. Play well gentlemen!