About this Video

• Video Title: John Deere Classic Mega Preview | Picks, Storylines, Best Bets
• Channel: The Second Cut Golf Podcast
• Speakers: Rick RunGood, Greg Ducharme, Mark Immelman, Mina (unidentified)
• Duration: 01:30:27

Introduction

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive preview of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. The hosts discuss news, storylines, and offer their best bets for the event, incorporating statistical analysis and personal insights.

Key Takeaways

• High Viewership: CBS Sports reported record-high viewership for the final round of a recent tournament, indicating a surge in golf's popularity. This increase is attributed to factors like changes in measurement methodology (including streaming), successful signature events, and a renewed interest in PGA Tour players.
• Signature Events: The hosts debate the effectiveness of PGA Tour signature events, noting both positive (increased viewership, stronger fields in non-signature events) and negative (player concerns, potential for adjustments) aspects.
• LIV Golf Numbers: LIV Golf also saw significantly increased viewership and attendance, although the hosts discussed the event's limitations and questionable long-term strategy, particularly its decision to not return to Dallas in 2026 despite setting attendance records.
• John Deere Classic Predictions: The hosts analyze the John Deere Classic field, highlighting the numerous players capable of winning due to the course's scoring opportunities. They offer various betting picks and matchup predictions.
• "Flushers": The podcast introduces the concept of "flushers"—players with consistently excellent ball-striking—and the hosts discuss several golfers fitting this description.

The hosts of "John Deere Classic Mega Preview | Picks, Storylines, Best Bets" offered several predictions for the tournament, based on statistical analysis and personal insights. They didn't explicitly state outright winners, but rather provided betting picks and matchup predictions. These included:

• Matchups: Greg Ducharme picked Kevin Kisner over Davis Thompson; Mark Immelman chose Andrew Putnam over Kevin Roy. Both hosts also had picks for Keith Mitchell.

• Finishing Positions: Greg predicted Lucas Glover to finish in the top 20; Mark and Rick both favored Tristan Lawrence to finish in the top 30 (or 40).

• Outright Wins: The hosts’ outright win predictions included Kevin Kisner, Jake Knap, Danny McCarthy, Ryan Gerard, and Michael Thorbjørnsen. Their reasoning varied, but often included strong ball-striking, putting performance (or recent improvement in putting), course history, and general feel for the player's current form. They specifically highlighted the many players capable of scoring well on the course, making it a highly competitive field.