This week’s John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, features a smaller field but offers exciting opportunities for golfers looking to improve their positions in the FedExCup standings as the 2025 season progresses. Among the top contenders is Michael Thorbjornsen, who is generating buzz with odds set at +2800.
Expert analyst Brad Thomas highlights Thorbjornsen as a strong pick, building on last year’s success when he correctly predicted Davis Thompson’s victory. Thomas emphasizes the importance of selecting golfers who excel in ball striking, particularly on par 5s, and have the ability to accumulate birdies. Despite Thorbjornsen’s approach numbers not ranking in the top 25 over the last 24 rounds, his recent performance indicates a turnaround. After struggling with his approach game for four consecutive events, he has gained strokes on approach in three out of his last four outings. Furthermore, his impressive off-the-tee statistics and an increasingly effective putting game bolster his chances.
Thorbjornsen recently finished T-4 at the Rocket Classic with an impressive gain of 6.2 strokes tee to green, showcasing his readiness for this week’s competition. He has a solid track record at the John Deere Classic, finishing T-2 last year and T-17 in 2023, adding to the case for his potential success.
The John Deere Classic has a history of being a platform for first-time winners on the PGA Tour, with notable champions like Davis Thompson, Michael Kim, and David Gossett emerging from this event. Given that 2025 has already seen nine first-time winners, it would be a fitting moment for Thorbjornsen, a Stanford University alum, to add his name to this distinguished list.
With an enticing field and a promising narrative for Thorbjornsen, golf fans have plenty to watch for this week, and the event could yield more thrilling outcomes within the context of first-time victories on tour.