The John Deere Classic doesn’t have the strongest discipline in golf yr in and yr out, however the occasion sometimes includes a handful of stars.
Jordan Spieth will tee it up this yr. As will defending champion and Ryder Cup star Sepp Straka. This yr’s occasion additionally consists of International stars Sungjae Im and Jason Day, 2023 American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, and 2009 Champion Golfer of the Year Stewart Cink.
But Patrick Cantlay, who the tour had listed within the authentic John Deere Classic discipline, determined to withdraw on Monday. Scotsman Russell Knox will replace him within the discipline.
The tour didn’t specify why Cantlay withdrew.
Yet, if Cantlay had remained within the discipline, it will have marked his first look on the John Deere Classic. TPC Deere Run has hosted this occasion since 2000.
Another notable withdrawal is Cameron Davis, who received the Rocket Mortgage Classic this previous week for the second time in his profession. His win in Detroit additionally vaulted him up the FedEx Cup rankings and gave him exemptions into subsequent yr’s Masters, The Players, and all eight Signature Events. As such, Davis felt obligated to take the week off and soak in his victory, which actually didn’t come simple each on and off the golf course. Had Akshay Bhatia not three-putted, Davis would have doubtless confronted Bhatia in a sudden-death playoff, and who is aware of how that might have shaken out. But Davis was the lone man to complete at 18-under as he fortunately stood atop the leaderboard after 72 holes.
As for Cantlay, his final look got here on the Travelers Championship, the place he tied for fifth. The week earlier than, the previous UCLA Bruin turned in the perfect main efficiency of his profession, tying for third at Pinehurst No. 2. It appears he has discovered one thing as of late, a formidable improvement on condition that Cantlay has had a sporadic season. Before the U.S. Open, his greatest two finishes got here at Riviera and Hilton Head, tying for third and fourth, respectively. But he additionally struggled on the Players, the PGA Championship, and the Memorial. He didn’t have his greatest stuff on the Masters, both.
Cantlay can be not listed among the many entrants for subsequent week’s Genesis Scottish Open, the ultimate tune-up for The Open Championship at Royal Troon. As such, all indicators level to golf followers seeing Cantlay subsequent at golf’s oldest main championship in two weeks’ time.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be positive to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
