Following the attrition of both the Memorial Tournament and the US Open, the PGA Tour is currently experiencing a far more free-scoring period on the schedule with the Rocket Classic preceding this week’s John Deere Classic.
Aldrich Potgieter was one of three players to post 22-under at Detroit Golf Club a few days ago – eventually going on to lift his maiden PGA Tour title in a playoff.
Although the emotional and physical toll on the young South African suggests he is unlikely to repeat his achievement in Silvis, Illinois, a similar winning score might well arise come Sunday evening from any of our 2025 John Deere Classic expert picks.
As a result, it will be important to make a particularly fast start at TPC Deere Run given the champion’s score has only been less than 20-under on three occasions since 2008.
Just like its Tournament Players Club sibling last week, TPC Deere Run is far from one of the longer layouts on tour and provides plenty of birdie chances along the way. Therefore, choosing players who are capable of going low across a variety of different courses will be key.
A look back down the 18th hole at TPC Deere Run
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Other factors to call into play include first-round scoring average, total number of birdies and total rounds in the 60s so far this year.
Taking all of those into account, who do I think has the best chance of leading the John Deere Classic after 18 holes?
John Deere Classic First-Round Leader Best Bet: Ben Griffin (+3300)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Picking Ben Griffin is basically a case of giving the rock to the hot hand. He’s arguably the most in-form player in this field and has been playing his way straight onto Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup roster ever since a T8th result at the PGA Championship.
Since Quail Hollow, the American has won his first solo PGA Tour title and gained strokes in every single area in each of the five events – with the exception being a minor wobble around the green at the Travelers Championship.
Going back to the important statistical categories that I mentioned earlier, however, Griffin is 17th on the PGA Tour in terms of Round One Scoring Average, he is second in terms of total birdies this year, and he’s T2nd relating to rounds in the 60s.
If you’re wondering about course form,…
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