John Deere Classic 2025 Preview, Picks & Analysis

If you want to see birdies being made for fun then you might want to tune in for the John Deere Classic this week - where they will be made in abundance.

Last year American Davis Thompson carded a closing seven-under-par 64 to win in Illinois by four strokes. His maiden win on the PGA Tour also secured a debut in The Open for the then 25-year-old. The overnight leader made eight birdies and a single bogey at TPC Deere Run as he finished on 28 under to seal a commanding victory.

"Qualifying for The Open was just an added incentive to this," said Thompson. "The goal was to win the golf tournament after getting off to a great start and I was able to finish it off."

Chinese Taipei's CT Pan also claimed a spot in The Open at Royal Troon by finishing joint second on 24 under alongside Michael Thorbjornsen and 20-year-old amateur Luke Clanton.

Pan took the second Open qualifying place that was available from the John Deere Classic courtesy of his higher position in the world ranking.

England's Aaron Rai, who was in a share of the lead going into the third round, shot a 69 to finish on 21 under. Compatriot Harry Hall was one shot further back after a final-round 65.

Jason Day has been quietly going about his business this season. After years battling with back pain he is now finally fit and swinging the club quite beautifully. He is a wonderful iron player and remains a terrific putter. He was there or thereabouts at the Travelers Championship and I believe his next PGA Tour win is just around the corner. TPC Deere Run is made for him.

Tournament Winners:

It was won in 2015 by Jordan Spieth, in 2016 by Ryan Moore, in 2017 by Bryson DeChambeau, in 2018 by Michael Kim, in 2019 by Dylan Frittelli, in 2021 by Lucas Glover, in 2022 by JT Poston and last year by Sepp Straka. There was no tournament in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The Course:

TPC Deere Run is a par 71 measuring 7,257 yards. It is one of the easier courses on the PGA Tour - the tournament record winning score is 257, set by Michael Kim in 2018. Designed by DA Weibring, it features ponds, ravines and plenty of trees, but generous fairways and large, soft greens.

Form Guide:

Jason Day has only missed one cut all season. The good news is that he is finally fully fit. He finished tied fourth at the Travelers and also has a further three top 10s in 2025.

How to Watch:

Thursday, July 3, Friday, July 4, Sky Sports Golf, 7pm; Saturday, July 5, Sunday, July 6, Sky Sports Golf, 5pm.

Prize Money:

Total prize money is around $8.2m with $1.5m going to the winner, along with 500 FedEx Cup points.

To Win:

Jason Day. Fit and swinging beautifully

Each Way:

Luke Clanton. Superstar in waiting

Five to Follow:

Jason Day. Due another win

Cameron Champ. Has shown some signs of life

Luke Clanton. Brilliant ball striker

Eric Cole. Late bloomer

Max Homa. Needs to get going soon