Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Wednesday Preview - John Deere Classic

Next week is the Open Championship, so if you're not exempt for the tournament, this is your last opportunity to do so. The top finisher inside the top 5 who is yet to be exempt will be in the Open Championship next week. For those who are exempt, it's about building momentum and getting some good vibes entering the third major of the year. 

Course: TPC Deere Run, a 7,300 yard birdie or bust course. This course yield a 59 to Paul Goydos in 2010, and was followed up by a 60 by Steve Stricker. Make birdies, or go home.

Strength Of Field: D. Jordan Speith is the biggest name in the field. A majority of the big names are playing in Scotland this week to prepare for the Open Championship.

Extra Tidbits: Jordan Speith became the first teenager to win on the PGA Tour since 1911 when he holed out a bunker shot in the playoff against Zach Johnson last year. This came on the heels of three straight victories by Steve Stricker from 2009 to 2011...In order to get bigger names to commit to the tournament, John Deere provides a charter flight from Wisconsin to England for those who are qualified for the Open Championship. 19 players in the field are qualified for the Open, and that number could increase to 20 at the end of the tournament. 


Fantasy Four:

Jordan Speith - Highest ranked player in the field and the defending champion. 

Steve Stricker - Won this tournament three times. I wonder about the state of his game, especially considering his very limited schedule. Has stated he may not play the Open Championship next week, so this will be his major. 

Eric Axley - Sleeper pick. Has performed decently well in his limited starts this season. In a weak field, he's worth a flier. 

Zach Johnson - Has played horribly lately, but has shot 20 consecutive rounds in the 60's here. Something has to give. If he wants any chance to turn this season around, he will have to perform well here. I have hope that he will. 


Last Weeks Team:
Jimmy Walker: CUT
Brendon Todd: T4
Stuart Appleby: CUT
Brendan Steele: MDF

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