John Deere Classic preview: Can Jordan Spieth repeat in the Quad Cities?

A year ago, the world was formally introduced to “college dropout” Jordan Spieth. By holing out from a bunker on the 72^nd hole and winning a playoff at the 2013 John Deere Classic, Spieth became the youngest winner on the PGA Tour since 1931. He also became a fulltime PGA Tour member.

Since then Spieth has taken the Tour by storm and is one of the game’s brightest young stars. This week, Spieth is back to defend his title one week ahead of the Open Championship.

About the Course

Since 2000, this tournament (often referred to as the Quad Cities) has been played at TPC Deere Run. It’s usually an off week for some of the top players in the world given it’s location in relation to the United Kingdom, site of the season’s third major next week. It seems that many Tour pros don’t want to make the long flight to the Open Championship so close to that all-important tournament. And who can blame them? But to sweeten the deal for showing up, the John Deere Classic offers a chartered flight to the Open after the tournament wraps up. A flight that Spieth took last year after his playoff victory.

Tournament Buzz

Besides the return of Spieth to the site of his only pro victory, this week’s John Deere is the last shot for players to qualify for the Open Championship. (Sure, players can qualify via the Scottish Open as well, but it would defy the laws of physics for a guy to play in both.) There is one spot up for grabs. To qualify, a already non-exempt player for the Open must finish in the top five at Deere Run.

Players to Watch

Jordan Spieth - For every reason I mentioned above and more. His meteoric rise to superstardom began here last year and he could easily defend his title.

Zach Johnson - For all and intents and purposes, this is a home game for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa native. Like Spieth, he has won here too. Look for him to be in the mix -- it would be a shock if he’s not on the first page of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Steve Stricker - He won’t play the Open next week, but he holds tournament records here for total score relative to par (-26) and total score (258). He also won three straight here from 2009 - 2011. Without a flight across the pond to catch, I would expect him to be more focused than players that have an eye on Royal Liverpool.

TV Info

Winner Pick

There are some possible storybook-type scenarios that could play out this weekend. Spieth could defend. The part-time, elder statesman, Striker could win here yet again. But I am thinking outside the box here. I am picking Harris English. It has been a great year for Georgia Bulldogs like Russell Henley and Bubba Watson, so why not a W for English? He has finished top 10 his last two starts and finished T15 here last year.