Defending champion could strike again

Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week, the PGA Tour heads to Southern Illinois for the annual John Deere Classic. Here’s how our model sees the event shaping up:

Preview of the John Deere Classic 2024

TPC Deere Run, a DA Weibring-designed course that opened in 2000, was recently renovated to improve its playability while retaining its original character. Known for its scenic beauty along the Rock River, it requires precision off the tee and finesse around the greens. Its risky and rewarding par 5 17th hole often becomes decisive late on Sundays. Here are the 10 players our model likes this week.

KeyCompetes John Deere Classic Power Rankings 2024:

(DraftKings odds – place your weekly bets here)

1. Sungjae Im (+1600): Leading the field is Sungjae Im, whose recent form includes three top-10 finishes in his last four starts. His iron accuracy and confident putting were key, which also suits the demands of TPC Deere Run well.

2. Aaron Rai (+2000): Known for controlled ball striking and solid putting. T2 last week in Detroit.

3. Sepp Straka (+1800): The defending champion has a short game that will benefit him as he attempts to win a second round in a row.

4. Davis Thompson (+2500): His powerful drives and overall improving game make him a dark horse and his recent performances, including T2 last week, show that a breakthrough is imminent.

5. Maverick McNealy (+3000): Precise irons, consistent putting. A great addition to your lineup.

6. Denny McCarthy (+2200): Known for his putting ability, a statistic to watch this week.

7. JT Poston (+3500): His consistency, experience and reliable ball-strike make him a constant threat. The winner here in 2022.

8. Keith Mitchell (+3000): An aggressive style and long drives should play a role in a week that is usually low-scoring. (Straka won last year at 21 under par.)

9. Jordan Spieth (+2000): Creative strokeplay and experience make him the favorite, but an inconsistent year doesn’t make him the favorite. Hasn’t had a top 10 since the Valero Texas Open in April.

10. Seamus Power (+6000): Versatile and mentally strong. Not afraid to score birdies.

Summary of the Rocket Mortgage Classic 2024

Cam Davis emerged victorious in Detroit, ending a run of mediocre results before the event, while Akshay Bhatia failed to make it three-putt on the final hole and lost one stroke – his second win of the season.

KeyCompete had a solid week of matchup betting, bringing our yearly record to 116-69.

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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