John Deere Classic

With the British Open at Royal Birkdale still one week away, the John Deere Classic tees off this weekend in Silvis, Ill., at TPC Deere Run.

With a $4.2 million total purse and a $756,000 winner’s share on the line, a field of the PGA Tour’s finest will compete on a birdie-friendly TPC course. Last year, the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run saw 1,676 birdies. That number was good for third-most on Tour — trailing only the Buick Open at Warwick Hills (1,786 birdies) and the Wyndham Championship at Forest Oaks (2,056).

John Deere Classic defending champion Jonathan Byrd finished up last season’s round with three birdies over the last five holes to post an 18-under 266 for the tournament, claiming a one-shot victory over Tim Clark. The win was Byrd’s third career victory. This year, Byrd will attempt to become the first repeat winner since David Frost in 1992 and 1993 at the Hardee’s Golf Classic.

This time around, look out for Kenny Perry, who already has two victories this season — both coming in June, at the Memorial Tournament (June 1) and Buick Open (June 29). Those wins came on the heels of a disappointing Sunday round at THE PLAYERS, when Perry shot an 81 in the final group to finish tied for 15th. Since then, however, Perry has been arguably the hottest player on Tour.

“This is probably the longest sustained stretch in my career where I’ve played tremendous golf each and every week,” said Perry.

“These last two months I’ve just played unbelievable golf. I’ve been on the leaderboard every week I’ve been playing. I’ve always been a streaky player. That has just kind of been the history of my career. When I get hot, I get hot.”

A win would make the 47-year-old Perry the first player over 45 to win three times in one season since Gene Littler in 1975. And with a field that does not include Tiger, Lefty or Sergio, there is a chance for Perry to keep his brilliant season going.

“It’s been an incredible run and I hope I continue to play well,” said Perry. “I’ve got a lot of confidence and I love my game the way I’m playing right now.”

The John Deere Classic will be televised by GOLF Channel (3:00-6:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday and Friday before CBS (3:00-6:00 p.m. ET) takes over weekend coverage.