Semi quiet week this week on Tour, as the Open Championship (British Open for those in the USA) is coming up next week.  Most of the big name players who are playing the Open are traveling or are already somewhere near the UK to practice.  Those who are still in the states are likely competing in the John Deere Classic at the TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Featured Groups

Last year Steve Stricker took home the winner's check and he's competing this year as part of one of the featured groups.  The other two players in his featured group include two time 2011 winner Mark Wilson and surging David Toms.  Toms is already a candidate for PGA Tour comeback player of the year.

Another great featured group includes (British) Open Championship winners Louis Oosthuizen and Stewart Cink along with the hot Australian golfer Jason Day.  Day has been knocking on the door of major championships for over a year.

D. A. Points, Davis Love III and Paul Goydos make up a 3rd featured group.  Not much going on in this one, barring reflection on Paul Goydos' super low 59 he shot in the 2010 John Deere.

Open Champions In The Field

Interesting to note that there are five former Open champions in this week's field.  John Daly is a fixture at the John Deer, a fan favorite to the mid west fan base.  Daly is one of the former Open champions which include Louis Oosthuizen, Stewart Cink, David Duval and Todd Hamilton.

The Course

The TPC Deere Run course was designed by D. A. Weibring with intentions of projecting an old style golfing experience.  The TPC Deere Run features large elevation changes, tree lined fairways and scenic Rock River views.  The course tips out at 7,258 yards with 58 bunkers and 3 water hazards.

The course can really give up low scores, as was the case with Goydos' aforementioned 59, so watch for a shootout this week.