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John Deere Classic Opens Thursday as Jackson Koivun Turns Pro and Ben Griffin Leads Odds

A weaker field created by players skipping The Open gives rising pros a clearer path to FedExCup points with the winner earning $1.584 million.

Overview

  • The 2026 John Deere Classic tees off Thursday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, with a full 144-player field competing July 2–5 for an $8.8 million purse.
  • Jackson Koivun will make his professional PGA Tour debut at the event after a standout amateur and college career that included a top-25 U.S. Open finish.
  • Ben Griffin is the betting favorite in pre-tournament markets, listed roughly in the 13- to 15-to-1 range by multiple sportsbooks and projection models.
  • Several top-ranked players, including Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, are skipping the week to prepare for The Open, which has softened the field and boosted chances for tour regulars and young contenders.
  • Broadcast windows are set across Golf Channel, CBS and ESPN+ and the winner will collect $1.584 million while players seek FedExCup points and momentum ahead of the links swing.