John Deere Classic tips: Sungjae Im targets overdue third Tour win in Illinois

John Deere Classic key stats:

• When: July 4 - 7 2024
• Where: TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois 
• How long: 7,289 yards - par 71
• What to expect: Usually another low-scoring birdie-fest, lush course with three water hazards 
• Who won last year: Sepp Straka (-21) 

Sungjae Im is our 12/1 favourite this week, and he has the quality to outclass this field based upon the fact that he appears to have been getting back to near his best recently. 

The South Korean won’t be happy with missing the cut at both the PGA and the US Open, but beyond those Major setbacks his Tour form has been solid, with four straight top-10 finishes culminating in a solid tie for third behind Scottie Scheffler and compatriot Tom Kim at the Travelers two weeks ago.

Im's two PGA Tour wins came in 2020 and 2021, and given his form and this weakened field, he has a good chance here to make a long overdue addition to that tally here.

Suggested bet (1): Sungjae Im each-way in the John Deere Classic

The defending champion is Sepp Straka, who has been playing nicely over the last couple of months, clocking up four top-eight finishes since finishing a creditable 16th at the Masters.

Aaron Rai could not quite get the job done last week after sharing the lead on Sunday. I do doubt him getting a win on Tour, although this field gives him a chance. 

Jordan Spieth has excellent course form going back a few years, but his recent form is a mix of good and abysmal and he may still be struggling with his ongoing wrist injury.

Denny McCarthy is the best putter on the tour, but that is rarely enough to win on its own, which makes him hard to back. This course appears to suit Jason Day and if he is fit and well and focussed, then the Aussie could go well in this company.

I am more interested in some golfers at the 50/1 price bracket, which brings in Seamus Power has been in reasonable form of late, finishing just off the first page of the leaderboard at the Wells Fargo, the Memorial and the Travelers in recent outings. 

The Irishman tends to prefer shorter courses, has decent form around this track, and as an established PGA journeyman, he looks more potent in these weaker fields than when the big boys play, so will be keen to get off to a good start here.

Suggested bet (2): Seamus Power each-way in the John Deere Classic

Others to watch:

• Sam Stevens (40/1) - Inconsistent but has produced some decent finishes in recent months and has the potential to challenge on this easy scoring course.
• Adam Schenk (60/1) - Place twice in this event in the last three years, so could be good value on a preferred course if able to shake off less eye-catching recent form.
• Michael Thorbjornsen (60/1) - The past amateur star is beginning to establish a foothold on Tour, and based on potential, his 60/1 odds could look huge by Sunday
• Brendon Todd (85/1) - The bookmakers’ forgotten man? Todd is the type well suited to a course that plays short and easy, and he looks an overlooked each-way play at such hefty odds

Suggested bet (3): Brendon Todd each-way in the John Deere Classic

Suggested bet summary:

• Sungjae Im (12/1) - 3 points each-way
• Seamus Power (35/1) - 1 point each-way
• Brendon Todd (85/1) - 0.5 points each-way

All listed prices are from Planet Sport Bet and are correct at time of article publication, but could be subject to change