The 2026 PGA TOUR season is entering its final stretch, with the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, marking a significant event before the tour heads overseas for the Genesis Scottish Open and The 154th Open Championship. The tournament historically serves as a platform for rising stars, with past champions including Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau.
This year's event features a field that has drawn fewer top-ranked players, as many are prioritizing preparation for the upcoming major championships. This creates an opportunity for less-established golfers to make their mark.
Featured Players and Picks
Among the notable competitors is Jackson Koivun, who is making his first start as a full-time PGA TOUR professional after earning his status through the PGA TOUR University's accelerated program. Koivun, who played collegiately for Auburn, is the only golfer to have won all four major collegiate awards in a single year. He has demonstrated consistent performance in his previous PGA TOUR appearances, making the cut in eight of ten events, including a T23 at the U.S. Open and a T5 at the Wyndham Championship. His statistical performance shows strong driving and putting, making him a promising contender despite the challenge of winning in his professional debut.
Jacob Bridgeman is another golfer highlighted for his strong start to the season, which included a win at The Genesis Invitational and a T5 at THE PLAYERS Championship. Despite a subsequent dip in form, he remains a top player in Strokes Gained: Putting. His performance at TPC Deere Run last year, where he gained strokes across all facets of his game, combined with his proficiency in approach shots from 100-150 yards, positions him as a strong contender.
Tom Kim, a three-time PGA TOUR winner, is also featured. Despite recent strong finishes, including a third-place at the U.S. Open, his odds are considered by some analysts to be unexpectedly high given his resume and current form. His performance over the last 20 rounds, leading the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, further bolsters his potential.
Denny McCarthy has a notable history at the John Deere Classic, with multiple top finishes including a T11 last year and a T7 in 2024. His consistent performance on TPC Deere Run's course, known for its birdie opportunities, and his strong putting, make him a player to watch, especially given his recent T14 finish at the Travelers Championship.
Emiliano Grillo, who lost in a playoff at this event last year, also presents a strong case. His driving accuracy, a key asset on this course, has been consistently high over his recent starts. His recent finishes at the RBC Canadian Open and the U.S. Open indicate he is in solid form heading into the tournament.
These selections reflect a strategic approach to a field that, while missing many of the TOUR's top names, offers significant opportunities for players like Koivun, Bridgeman, Kim, McCarthy, and Grillo to contend for the title.