As the PGA Tour’s summer swing continues, we head to the Midwest for one of its most traditional and fan-friendly events, the 2025 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.
Known for producing first-time winners and low-scoring shootouts, this tournament is often a stage for rising stars and comeback stories and this year’s field offers plenty of both.
TPC Deere Run is a par-71 layout measuring just over 7,000 yards and provides one of the more scorable tracks on Tour. Wide fairways, receptive greens and accessible par fives make it a ball-striker’s dream. But as always, going low isn’t just about hitting it close; it’s about converting opportunities. The winning score here regularly climbs past 20-under-par, so expect fireworks from the get-go.
With many of the Tour’s biggest names prepping for The Open Championship overseas, the John Deere Classic gives room for emerging talent and comeback veterans to shine. That’s exactly where our two highlighted picks fit in this week with one rising quickly through the ranks, and the other writing a new chapter in a resilient career. Check out last week’s picks for the Rocket Classic – where Matt Fitzpatrick clinched a place in the top-10.
Jake Knapp – 28/1
If there’s a player poised to ride a hot streak into contention this week, it’s Jake Knapp. The 31-year-old Californian broke through earlier this season with impressive top-10 finishes at the Cognizant Classic and The Players. With multiple top-25s under his belt and a growing reputation as one of the Tour’s most aggressive scorers, Knapp looks tailormade for TPC Deere Run.
What makes Knapp so dangerous here is his combination of length and technique. He ranks inside the top 25 in driving distance and inside the top 20 in strokes gained: putting – two metrics that have historically translated well at the John Deere. He also thrives on softer setups where he can lean into his attacking mindset without fear of major penalty.
It’s Knapp’s second time teeing it up here, but relative newcomers have had success at this venue – especially those who arrive with a bit of momentum. At 28/1, he’s a great value bet for a week where boldness often pays off.
Bud Cauley – 35/1
Few players in this field have a story quite like Bud Cauley. After years of battling injuries following a 2018 car accident, the former amateur standout has worked his way back onto the PGA Tour and has shown of serious form so far this season. Three consecutive top-10s in March and April prove the comeback is real.
Cauley’s iron play and putting have quietly returned to pre-injury levels, and TPC Deere Run is the kind of course that rewards sharp wedges and a confident flatstick. He also has solid history here, including a top-15 finish back in 2017.
At 35/1, Cauley is one of the feel-good stories of the year and he has the game and mentality to turn that story into a trophy this week in Silvis.
