While the majority of the golfing world heads to Europe this week for final Open Championship preparations, the PGA Tour heads to the John Deere Classic.
At No. 20 in the world, Daniel Berger is the top-ranked player in the field for a tournament that offers some of the lesser-knowns on Tour a great opportunity to compete for a title.
As far as the betting board goes, the name "Kevin" is a theme throughout the picks in the final tuneup before the season's third major.
Favorite to watch (odds less than 25-1)
Kevin Kisner
A missed cut and a 58th-place showing in his past two events have cooled Kisner's form slightly, but six top-10s and three top-5s this season make him a strong play this week. Kisner is among the most accomplished players in the field, and his superior ball-striking should give him plenty of birdie opportunities. At 20-1, he's the best pick among the favorites to make some noise.
Odds to win: 20-1
Top-5 odds: 33-10
2nd tier (odds greater than 25-1)
Kevin Na
The second "Kevin" on the betting board this week is Mr. Na, who comes in playing well after three straight rounds in the 60s at the Quicken Loans National. He continues to be one of the best ball-strikers on Tour, sitting 10th in strokes-gained: approach the green - a stat that's very important at the TPC Deere Run course. Na hasn't won since 2011, but among a weakened field and with a decent putting performance he should be in contention on Sunday.
Odds to win: 35-1
Top-5 odds: 7-1
Long shot (odds greater than 50-1)
Kevin Tway
Tway rounds out of the trio of "Kevins" to pick this week, as the 28-year-old comes in at 66-1. He was in spectacular form earlier this year with four straight top-20 finishes, but has cooled in recent weeks. That's hurt Tway's odds, making him a great value play at the John Deere Classic.
Odds to win: 66-1
Top-5 odds: 12-1
Super long shot (odds greater than 80-1)
Luke List
When it comes to birdies, there's few players who make more on the PGA Tour than List. The long-hitting 32-year-old is third this season with 300 total birdies, despite playing less rounds than anybody else in the top 10. Seven of the last eight winners of this event have posted 20-under-par or better, so List's ability to go low will be a huge benefit at the TPC Deere Run. At 80-1, he's definitely worth a bet to take home the title.
Odds to win: 80-1
Top-5 odds: 20-1
Hit this bet, buy a car (odds greater than 150-1)
D.A. Points
Iron play will be at a premium at the TPC Deere Run, and Points should have a strong showing based on that idea. The 40-year-old is coming off a missed cut at The Greenbrier, but is 22nd on Tour in strokes gained: approach the green, and ranks top 10 in that stat among players in the field this week. If he can keep firing irons at a high level, Points will need just an average putting week to be in contention. Lay a small wager at 250-1 for a potentially monster payday.
Odds to win: 250-1
Top-5 odds: 33-1
Last event's picks
Rickie Fowler: 3rd
Tony Finau: T-29
James Hahn: T-46
Wesley Bryan: T-46
John Huh: MC
Season record (through 23 events)
Wins: 5
Top 5: 22
(Odds courtesy: Bodog)
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
