The John Deere Classic is a bit of a punching bag on TOUR. It lacks star power due to where it lands on the schedule, but what makes it great is we know what we will get out of the course every year. We always see a birdiefest, which often sets up for someone to come from behind with a really low score to win – and that is exactly what happened this past week.
Sepp Straka had everyone on 59 watch as he came down the stretch and took control of the tournament by five shots when he teed off on his final hole of the day. Unfortunately, the allure of that 59 almost cost him the tournament; he splashed his approach into the green-side pond, but 21-under ended up holding for his second career victory.
Now, the foc us moves across the pond with the Genesis Scottish Open. Added to the fold last year, this tournament will attract a very strong field in the week prior to the final major.
I am all for more links golf as it sets up for a particular style of play, and that experience can often trump many of the other statistical categories we usually target. Considering the wind and weather factors that can wreak havoc on tee times, it makes for one of my favorite tournaments to bet every summer.