Defending Champion Sepp Straka and Two-Time Winner Jordan Spieth Highlight the 53rd John Deere Classic
The John Deere Classic returns to the Quad Cities for the 53rd installment of this celebrated PGA TOUR event, set to begin Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Defending champion Sepp Straka is poised to defend his title, aiming to be the first back-to-back winner since Steve Stricker's three-year run from 2009 to 2011. Joining him is Jordan Spieth, who is making his first appearance at the event since 2015. Spieth, a two-time winner at TPC Deere Run, secured his first PGA TOUR victory here, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s contest.
The tournament, famous for its dramatic finishes and tight leaderboards, is expected to deliver another week of thrilling golf. Despite the withdrawal of Patrick Cantlay, Sungjae Im and Jordan Spieth are now the favorites to claim the title.
How to Follow the Action
Television Schedule (All times ET)
- Thursday-Friday: 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS)
PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+
- Thursday & Friday:
- Main feed: 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Featured group: 4-7 p.m.
- Marquee group: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Featured groups: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Featured hole: 4-7 p.m.
- Spanish-language main feed: 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Spanish-language featured group: 4-7 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday:
- Main feed: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Featured group: 1-6 p.m.
- Marquee group: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Featured groups: 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Featured hole: 1-6 p.m.
- Spanish-language main feed: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Spanish-language featured group: 1-6 p.m.
PGA TOUR LIVE provides extensive coverage, including primary tournament feeds, marquee groups showcasing every shot, traditional featured groups, and pivotal holes.
Featured Groups and Holes
- Thursday:
- Marquee Group: 8:29 a.m. - J.T. Poston, Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson (No. 10 tee)
- Featured Groups: 8:18 a.m. - Jake Knapp, Luke List, Sungjae Im (No. 10 tee); 8:18 a.m. - Nico Echavarria, Cameron Champ, Stewart Cink (No. 1 tee)
- Featured Hole: Hole 14 (par 4)
- Friday:
- Marquee Group: 8:29 a.m. - Lucas Glover, Jason Day, Sepp Straka (No. 10 tee)
- Featured Groups: 8:18 a.m. - Davis Riley, Adam Svensson, Denny McCarthy (No. 10 tee); 8:40 a.m. - Chris Gotterup, Nick Dunlap, Daniel Berger (No. 10 tee)
- Featured Hole: Hole 14 (par 4)
Radio Coverage
For audio coverage, tune in to SiriusXM or PGATOUR.com/liveaudio:
- Thursday-Friday: 1-7 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: 1-6 p.m.
TPC Deere Run: A Unique Challenge
TPC Deere Run is known for its undulating fairways, steep elevation changes, and tight doglegs, making it a unique challenge on the PGA TOUR. The course rewards precise ball-strikers who can navigate the tricky layout and capitalize on birdie opportunities.
The John Deere Classic has a history of producing first-time winners, with notable names like Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, and Michael Kim securing their maiden victories here. This year’s field, while lacking in star power due to the proximity of the Genesis Scottish Open, includes promising talents and seasoned pros who could rise to the occasion.
John Deere Classic Odds and Favorites
Sungjae Im and Jordan Spieth lead the favorites, with Sepp Straka, Jason Day, and Denny McCarthy also drawing attention. The tournament’s odds reflect a wide-open field, offering exciting betting opportunities for golf enthusiasts.
Key Players and Course History
The top contenders this week include:
- Sepp Straka: Looking to defend his title and continue his rise in the OWGR.
- Jordan Spieth: A two-time winner at TPC Deere Run, returning after a long absence.
- Lucas Glover and Jason Day: Both bring experience and strong performances to the field.
Other past champions in the mix are JT Poston, Dylan Frittelli, Ryan Moore, Zach Johnson, and Michael Kim.
