John Deere Classic preview, picks & analysis

Post by Sports Writer,  Derek Clements

YOU may find this hard to believe, but it was at this tournament just two years ago that Jordan Spieth won at the age of 19 to announce himself on an unsuspecting world.

He didn't even have full playing privileges back then. Baby, look at him now. Spieth, now an ancient 21 years old (and almost 22), is in the field again and will be hoping to win once more before jumping in a plane and flying off to St Andrews, where he will be looking to become only the second golfer to win the season's first three majors.

Jordan Spieth will be hoping for another magic moment at the 2015 John Deere Classic

Spieth being Spieth, he is not at the John Deere to make up the numbers. He has already won three times in 2015 and will do so again before the year is out. Most golfers don't like to win ahead of a major. Spieth is not most golfers and would like nothing more than to head off to The Open with yet another win under his belt. Don't bet against him doing precisely that.

Brian Harman won it 12 months ago and is in good form again. He will return to TPC Deere Run with many good memories. His performance in 2014 got him into last year's Open and there are a possible four further qualifying spots for St Andrews available.

Another player worth keeping an eye on is Ryan Moore. He got off to a flyer this season, winning the CIMB Classic and finishing 12th at The Masters and fifth at the Valspar Championship but has slowed down of late. He is a wonderful ball striker and, when he is on song, has a great touch around the greens. Moore likes this course and will hope to get his season back on track here.

It will also be interesting to see how Steve Stricker performs. He is a part-time player these days and has tumbled down the world rankings as a result. And even if he wins, he is unlikely to travel to St Andrews, which is a real shame. Stricker doesn't play in tournaments these days unless he feels he has a chance of winning. And his putting touch is still as good as it has ever been. If he can get off to a decent start, he could easily make a good run at this title.

John Deere Classic Betting Picks 

To win: Jordan Spieth 4/1. Loves winning

Each way: Brian Harman 28/1 Coming into some good form

Each way: Steve Stricker 37/1 Veteran could spring a surprise

John Deere Classic Fantasy picks

Jordan Spieth. Looking for his fourth win of 2015

Brian Harman. Has good memories of this place

Steve Stricker. Fantastic short game

Matt Every. Looking for another big week

Eric Axley. Could be a surprise contender

Chris Stroud. An excellent ball striker

Kevin Kisner. Recording top-10 finishes for fun

Charlie Beljan. In a decent run of form

Jonas Blixt. The Swede needs a good week

Tony Finau. Hits the ball into the middle of next week