PGA Betting - John Deere Classic Preview

Golf betting makes the move to the great state of Illinois this week for the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run. The course, which plays a total of 7,213 yards (par 71), could get wet and wild during the second and third rounds before clearing off for the final day. Thundershowers are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, with temperatures expected in the mid 80s.

Sportsbook favorite and defending champion Kenny Perry (+900) takes the course with a heavy heart this weekend. Perry learned from doctors that his mother, who is dying of skin and blood cancer, will be put in hospice. Perry is coming off a tournament title at the Travelers Championship at the end of June, improving his season money earnings to $3,892,240.80 – second to Tiger Woods. Last year at Deere Run Perry won in a three-way playoff. He fired a 16-under par for the week with an opening-round score of 65.

Joining Perry as the lone Top-10 talents at the John Deere Classic is Steve Stricker (+1,200). Currently ranked eighth in the world, the American has six Top-10 finishes this season including a tournament win at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in May. He's also a former champion at this event, earning the 2004 title. He hasn't played at Deere Run since 2006 when he finished tied for 51st with a score of 6-under.

David Toms (+1,400) is another recognizable name on the leaderboard. The Louisiana native bookended a dismal performance at the U.S. Open with two second-place finishes, the most recent at the Travelers Championship. Toms has seven Top-10 finishes this season but has yet to win a tournament. He's finished in the Top 5 five times this year and is making his first trip back to the Illinois course since 2005 when he placed 40th following a tough second round.

The 2007 Masters champ is finding his form again this season. Zach Johnson (+1,600) has put a dismal 2008 behind him and has two wins and five Top-10 placings already this year. Johnson is currently fourth on the money list and credits his turnaround to re-working his irons play and maintaining his focus. He's kept his scoring average to just under 70 this year but hasn't had much success at Deere Run. His best finish was tied for 20th in 2004 and he has missed the cut in three of his seven starts there.

Lucas Glover (+1,800) is riding the momentum of his win at the U.S. Open last month. Since topping the leaderboard at Bethpage Black, the eight-year pro has placed 11th and fifth in his most recent tournaments. Currently ranked eighth on the money list, Glover decided to honor his commitment to the JDC despite the British Open looming next week. At this hectic place, it will be interesting to see if the 29-year-old hits the wall anytime soon.

Rounding out the favorites for this week's event are Ryan Moore (+2,500) and Davis Love III (+2,800). Moore is back on track after missing three straight cuts in May and June. He tied for a 10th-place finish at the U.S. Open, tied for fifth at the Travelers Championship, and picked up an 11th-place finish at the AT&T National last weekend.