Let’s be honest, we are all going to be too distracted while celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday this weekend to be watching the John Deere Classic.

4th of July weekend has got to be the worst spot in the entire golf schedule, there’s just too much going on to want to sit inside and watch low stakes golf.

I guess, what I am really trying to say, is that there’s never been a more obvious candidate for a Track 2 event, as the PGA TOUR makes sweeping changes to their schedule for 2028.

TPC Deere Run is usually a birdie-fest, with the average winning score around -20 for the last five years.

Who’s in the Field?

Of the top ten? Zero players.

But there are some notable names; Chris Gotterup, Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, and Tom Kim.

Here are the key stats for The John Deere Classic:

  • Start with approach play. SG: Approach has the strongest correlation with SG: Total here at 0.646, so this is not the week to get cute with guys who are shaky with irons but “can get hot.” Prioritize players gaining with wedges and short irons.

  • Putting matters more than usual because this turns into a birdie contest. The scoring average is 1.56 under par, GIR is high at 70.9%, and SG: Putting correlates strongly at 0.585. You need guys who can actually convert chances, not just hit 14 greens and make pars.

  • Don’t overrate distance. SG: Off the Tee matters, but distance specifically only correlates at 0.114, while driving accuracy is much more relevant at 0.314. TPC Deere Run is more about keeping it in play, stuffing wedges, and making putts than overpowering the place.

The Details

Previous Winners

How To Watch

Featured Groups:

All Tee Times & Featured Groups Here

Weekly Bets: John Deere Classic

We’ve partnered with Keith Stewart at Read The Line to share his weekly golf betting picks with the Caddyshanks crew. If you’re the type who enjoys breaking down matchups, spotting trends, and hunting for value, you’ll feel right at home in the RTL community.

Use code CADDYSHANKS2026 for 20% OFF.

Keith Stewart’s Picks

Tom Kim (+3500 DraftKings)

When Tom Kim won at Sedgefield (2022) for his first PGA TOUR win, he entered the week at 35-1. The T2G play was excellent at that time, and his putter was doing electric Tom Kim things. Fast forward to the 2026 US Open, where Kim finished 3rd two weeks ago. A T15 in Canada and one of the PGA TOUR’s best accuracy merchants is ready for TPC Deere Run. A perfect fit, Kim can score and hit targets off the tee and on approach. Take the momentum from Shinnecock Hills and back Kim to continue putting himself in position to win.

Emiliano Grillo (+8400 DraftKings)

Argentina is definitely trending, and Lionel Messi is not their only national star competing this weekend. Emiliano Grillo finished T23 at the US Open and T20 the week before at the Canadian Open. The ball striking is positive, and now Grillo goes to a golf course where he has two runner-up finishes in his career (out of three starts). If creating birdie opportunities is the priority, then grab Grillo and get to the window, as this longshot has proven he can play TPC Deer Run effectively.

Caddyshanks Picks

Eric Cole (+2700 Draftkings)

As mentioned above, you’ve gotta be good with the flatstick to win a birdie-fest. Eric Cole ranks 8th in SG: Putt and he’s got four Top 10’s since April.

Sungjae Im (+4100 Draftkings)

Sungjae isn’t quite as good of a putter as Eric Cole (he’s 32nd on TOUR) but he’s good enough to make some birdies here, and the real stat to know for Sungjae is that he ranks 1st on TOUR on SG: APP inside 100 yards.

Chris Gotterup (+1400 Draftkings)

Sometimes, in a weak field, you just bet the player with the highest possible ceiling.