Fantasy Golf Sleeper Report – 2023 John Deere Classic

2023 John Deere Classic Fantasy Sleeper Report

One of the standout performers of the 2022-23 season, Rickie Fowler finally got his ultimate reward with victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week.

He channelled the Fowler of old by making birdies at crucial times – none more so than the red three posted at the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, and again on the first extra hole when he stiffed an iron from the deepest rough after shanking his drive towards the patrons.

Rickie duly watched Morikawa and Hadwin miss their birdie attempts, rolled home his own 12-footer and stood becalmed in the middle of the green while all around him lost their minds.

Embed from Getty Images

This was a supremely popular win, but Fowler’s stoic calmness at the end gave a clear indication that this was a player who was in no doubt that another PGA TOUR win was forthcoming. Given how well he has struck the ball this past year, who would bet against more following.

Gambling is the name of the game at the John Deere Classic this week as the PGA TOUR makes its annual stop-off at the putting shootout that is TPC Deere Run. With no disrespect intended, that’s the only reason that a quartet as disparate as J.T. Poston, Lucas Glover, Dylan Frittelli and Michael Kim can win the same event in recent memory.

Poston is the defending champion after winning wire-to-wire 12 months ago, and given the sparse nature of the field he may just fancy his chances of retaining the title. The woefully out-of-form Cameron Young leads the way alongside Denny McCarthy, Russell Henley and Keith Mitchell, who cannot be described as prolific champions. Who knows what will become of Ludvig Aberg in the future, but 20/1 for a player in his fourth PGA TOUR start is plenty short for us.

This is one of the most open events on the PGA TOUR rotation – a week where a hot flat stick and above-average ball-striking will be more than enough to post a winning total. There is simply very little to worry about at TPC Deere Run, a medium-length Par 71 where three Par 5s and a drivable Par 4 will make up the majority of the scoring. Only a couple of holes, including the tricky eighteenth, will require full concentration.

Here’s a fun fact: each of the last five winners at the John Deere Classic has started their journey at odds of 50/1 or longer – Kim was a mammoth 200/1. This is manna from heaven for longshot backers….if we can crack the code and be on the right side of putting variance.

Who knows: perhaps the following five sleeper plays have what it takes to tame the 2023 John Deere Classic?

You must be a Premium Member to view our exclusive fantasy golf picks.

Already a member?  Sign in Here.

Want more of this week’s fantasy predictions? Check out our full fantasy preview for the John Deere Classic here.

Cover photo via Instagram