2026 John Deere Classic: How to watch, PGA schedule on ESPN2026 John Deere Classic: How to watch, PGA schedule on ESPN

Tournament Overview and Key Players

The John Deere Classic is set to take take place at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This event follows a busy June schedule that included a major and two signature events. The tournament offers a substantial purse, with the winner receiving a significant portion of the total prize money and 500 FedEx Cup points.

Among the notable players participating are Jordan Spieth, a two-time winner of the event, and other highly-ranked professionals such as Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin, and Jacob Bridgeman. Additional prominent names in the field include Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley, J.T. Poston, and Max Homa. Jackson Koivun is making his professional debut at TPC Deere Run, having recently concluded a distinguished amateur career with a strong finish in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

The course at TPC Deere Run spans just over 7,200 yards and is known for yielding winning scores around 20-under. This setup is considered favourable for players who prefer to work the ball and those aiming for numerous birdies.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Coverage of the John Deere Classic will be available across multiple platforms throughout the tournament days. Television broadcasts are scheduled on Golf Channel/NBC Sports App and CBS/Paramount+.

For streaming, PGA Tour Live will offer extensive coverage on ESPN+, featuring four distinct feeds each day. These feeds include a Main Feed, Marquee Group, Featured Groups, and Featured Holes, providing comprehensive viewing options for fans.

Radio coverage will be provided by Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio. The broadcast times for television, streaming, and radio are scheduled from Thursday through Sunday, ensuring that audiences can follow the action live.

The tee times for the first and second rounds have been released. On Thursday, players will begin their rounds from both the first and 10th tees, with morning and afternoon sessions. Notable groupings include Rickie Fowler, Keith Mitchell, and Zach Johnson, as well as Chris Gotterup, Keegan Bradley, and Tom Kim. Ben Griffin, Jordan Spieth, and Jackson Koivun are also grouped together for the initial rounds.

tpc-deere-run-second-hole-18989
tpc-deere-run-second-hole-18989 Credit: sports.yahoo.com

Player Focus and Fantasy Considerations

In fantasy golf discussions, Tom Kim is being considered for lineups at the John Deere Classic. Despite missing the cut at last year’s event, he is a player of interest. Ben Griffin is another player highlighted for his consistent strong form and potential, especially for those leading fantasy leagues. J.T. Poston is noted as a reliable option among the choices.

Some players warrant careful consideration for fantasy rosters. Jordan Spieth, a two-time winner at John Deere, has had limited appearances since his second victory in 2015. While he has achieved multiple top-20 finishes this season, he has not secured a top-10 finish. Rickie Fowler, despite a strong start to the current year, has shown inconsistency in recent events. He did finish well at the tournament last year.

Jacob Bridgeman has garnered significant attention in some fantasy contexts. He has demonstrated an ability to make cuts and performed well at TPC Deere Run previously, even after a period of quieter results. Michael Thorbjornsen has a history of strong performances at TPC Deere Run, with several notable finishes.

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tpc-deere-run-tenth-hole-18989 Credit: sports.yahoo.com

The weather forecast does not suggest a significant advantage for one side of the draw, indicating that a balanced approach to roster selection, blending talent from both sides, might be beneficial. The tournament’s purse is $8.8 million, with the winner receiving $1.584 million.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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By Evelyn Mensah

Evelyn reports on business, the economy and technology across Ghana and the region.