2023 John Deere Classic
TPC Deere Run
Welcome back to another comprehensive course preview, DFS Army! I’m Josh Thomas, known to most of you as DFSUpNorth, here to steer you towards another winning week on the PGA Tour. This time, we’re turning our attention to the heartland of America, where the 2023 John Deere Classic is set to take place at the picturesque TPC Deere Run.
Known for its lush fairways and riveting play, TPC Deere Run, tucked away in the rolling terrain of Silvis, Illinois, is the brainchild of PGA Tour veteran D.A. Weibring. Since 2000, it has been the backdrop of the John Deere Classic, a tournament that has seen thrilling victories, record-breaking performances, and emotional breakthroughs.
As we prepare to navigate the competition, we’ll take a deep dive into relevant historical data points and key strokes gained statistics. We will unlock the intricacies of TPC Deere Run, appreciating its architectural nuances and understanding how they influence the competition. Moreover, we will revisit the course’s vibrant past, to glean insights that might predict future outcomes.
So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery with me as we break down the 2023 John Deere Classic. Together, we’ll examine the various elements at play, learning from the past, assessing the present, and strategizing for the future. Let’s get those lineups ready, DFS Army, for another exciting week of golf action!
The Course:
TPC Deere Run, nestled in Silvis, Illinois, is a par-71 course that spreads out over approximately 7,268 yards. Opened in 2000 and designed by former PGA Tour professional D.A. Weibring, TPC Deere Run has been the proud host of the John Deere Classic since its inception.
The course itself is carved out of the rolling woodlands along the Rock River and offers picturesque views. Despite being a relatively new addition to the PGA Tour circuit, TPC Deere Run has cemented its place in the heart of players and spectators alike with its unique blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge.
Key Factors Impacting Course Design
- D.A. Weibring’s Influence: As the course designer, Weibring has put together a layout that emphasizes strategic play, requiring players to make smart decisions, particularly on approach shots to the large greens.
- Natural Topography: The natural rolling landscape of the area offers elevation changes, adding an additional layer of complexity and strategy to play.
- Water Hazards: A few key holes have water in play, including the signature par-3 16th, which can provide drama down the stretch.
Historical Highlights and Player Performance
While TPC Deere Run has only hosted the John Deere Classic since 2000, it has already seen its share of memorable moments. Perhaps most notably, in 2010, Paul Goydos carded an incredible 59 in the first round, becoming only the fourth player in PGA Tour history to do so.
This event has been a springboard for several players getting their first taste of PGA Tour victory. Jordan Spieth, notably, bagged his maiden PGA Tour win here in 2013 at the age of 19, and he defended his title successfully in 2014.
Course Strategy and DFS Considerations
TPC Deere Run’s setup tends to reward aggressive play. The course layout, with three par-5s and a collection of reachable par-4s, presents multiple birdie opportunities. When selecting players for your DFS lineups, consider their Birdie or Better Percentage (BoB%) as scoring is usually low at this tournament.
In addition, the course has some risk-reward aspects, most notably the par-5 17th, which is reachable in two but is fraught with danger due to water protecting the green. Players who can navigate these holes successfully will have an edge.
Finally, it’s important to look at the recent form of players coming into the tournament. This event has historically been won by players peaking at the right time, so it’s worth considering players who have been in good form in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
Course Layout Highlights
TPC Deere Run’s final three holes (16, 17, and 18) make up a thrilling finishing stretch that can make or break a player’s round. The 16th hole is a challenging par-3 with water guarding the green, while the 17th hole is a risk-reward par-5 that offers eagle opportunities but can lead to disaster with a poorly executed shot. The 18th hole is a tough uphill par-4 that will test players right to the end.
Key Holes to Watch
- The 7th hole, a par-5, is a perfect eagle opportunity for the longer hitters, especially if they can find the fairway off the tee. The green is reachable in two for most, but any miss to the left will likely result in a challenging up-and-down for birdie.
- The 8th hole is a fascinating short par-4. It’s a risk-reward hole where golfers will decide to lay up for a full wedge into the green or get aggressive and go for the green off the tee.
- The 9th hole is a picturesque par-3. Despite its beauty, it’s a demanding hole that requires a well-struck shot to hit the green and avoid the bunkers surrounding it.
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Tournament Set-up:
TPC Deere Run
Par: 35-36—71
Yardage: 7,289
Stimpmeter: 12
Architect (year): D.A. Weibring
Average Green Size: 5,500 sq. ft.
Total Property Acres: 400
Acres of Fairway: 28
Acres of Rough: 120
Number of Sand Bunkers: 76
Number of Water Hazards: 3
Number of Holes Water is in Play: 3
Greens: L-93 bentgrass .100”
Collars: L-93 bentgrass .300”
Approaches: Southshore bentgrass .390”
Tees: Southshore bentgrass .375”
Fairways: Southshore bentgrass .390”
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass / fescue 4”
Links to DFS Army Tools
- PGA Research Station – Every single stat you could want for this week’s event!
- PGA Cheatsheets – Notes on all the viable players in the field
- PGA Domination Station – One-click Optimized Lineups in Seconds
Important Statistics
Strokes Gained: Key Statistics
For success at TPC Deere Run, we’ll need to focus on several key areas:
- Strokes Gained: Approach (SG:APP) – The course features large greens that reward players with strong iron play.
- Strokes Gained: Putting (SG:P) – As the John Deere Classic often turns into a birdie fest, players who excel in their putting game tend to have an edge.
- Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (SG:OTT) – While not overly long, the course is lined with trees, so accurate driving is crucial.
Player Profile Fit
Due to TPC Deere Run’s unique layout, certain player profiles tend to succeed here. Given the importance of approach play and putting, golfers with a strong iron game and consistent flat stick often thrive. But, due to the course’s low scoring nature, golfers who can rack up birdies also gain an edge.
Recent Form and Course History
Though the John Deere Classic has been a venue for breakthrough wins, course history and recent form shouldn’t be disregarded. Players who have consistently performed well at TPC Deere Run often continue to do so due to their comfort and familiarity with the course layout.
Conversely, recent form can also be a strong indicator of success. Players coming into the tournament on a run of strong performances often carry that momentum into this event.
Par-4 Performance
With eleven Par-4s on the course, players’ performance on these holes can be a differentiating factor. Look at the Strokes Gained: Par 4 statistic to identify players who perform well on these holes.
Course Management
The key to success at TPC Deere Run is less about sheer power and more about strategic play and shot placement. Golfers who excel in course management will have a significant advantage. This includes understanding when to be aggressive, when to play it safe, and how best to navigate the greens.
Green Speed
The green speed at TPC Deere Run is usually moderate, not as quick as some of the major venues but still requiring a delicate touch. Golfers who are comfortable on medium-speed greens could have an edge.
Golfers coming in 🔥🔥🔥
Denny McCarthy: 33.41 SGT
Eric Cole: 32.5 SGT
Russell Henley: 26.88 SGT
Sepp Straka: 23.71 SGT
Chez Reavie: 20.2 SGT
NOTE: Does not account for SG this past week, will update when those numbers come in.
Golfers with 🔥🔥🔥 John Deere Classic History
Lucas Glover: 27.68 SGT
Patton Kizzire: 24.36 SGT
Patrick Rodgers: 24.36 SGT
Zach Johnson: 23.52 SGT
Scott Brown: 22.38 SGT
Russell Henley: 21.37 SGT
Included Russell Henley here because he was just one spot outside the top 6 and is in the top 5 of recent form too! Making him a great (albeit popular) play this week.
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Weather:
It’s summer in the midwest. High 70’s in the afternoon with chances of pop up showers every day. I would imagine that we see some sort of delay at some point, but I’m doubtful we will see any sort of wave advantage this week.
Final Thoughts:
As we wrap up our detailed preview of the 2023 John Deere Classic, I hope these insights into TPC Deere Run’s course layout, historical data points, and key strokes gained statistics have been helpful. Remember, golf is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes a little bit of luck. While we can’t predict the future, we can use the wealth of data at our disposal to make informed decisions.
Stay sharp, stay flexible, and pay close attention to the players’ form and their fit for this unique course. The John Deere Classic promises to be an exciting week of golf, full of thrilling birdies, dramatic saves, and intense competition. I’m looking forward to seeing those DFS Army flags flying high on the leaderboard!
Thank you for joining me in this deep dive into the 2023 John Deere Classic, here’s to a successful week of DFS! I will break it all down for our VIPs with my weekly PGA Cheatsheets! This is DFSUpNorth, Josh Thomas, signing off. Best of luck to everyone in their DFS contests this week. Let’s get those green screens!
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