Storylines for the John Deere Classic: Golf's next superstar arrives

The PGA Tour heads to Illinois this week for the 2026 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run. The big guns are taking the week off to get started on their Open Championship prep, but there are still plenty of juicy storylines to follow throughout the weekend. Let's break 'em down. 

Ben Griffin primed to return to the winner's circle

Griffin broke out in 2025 with three wins and a 10th-place finish in the FedEx Cup standings, but he's still searching for his first victory in 2026. With most of the PGA Tour's biggest stars taking the week off, this will be Griffin's best chance to pick up his first win of the season. 

The 30-year-old is the betting favorite to win the John Deere Classic at +1500 (FanDuel), and it's easy to see why. After a slow start to the season, Griffin has recorded six top-20 finishes and two top-threes in his last eight starts. He's also gained strokes with his irons in four straight events, including a season-best 4.24 true strokes gained on approach at the Travelers Championship last week. 

Griffin is the man to beat at TPC Deere Run.

Welcome to the show, Jackson Koivun 

This week marks one of the most anticipated debuts for a player in PGA Tour history, as Koivun is set to make his first career start as a professional. If you don't know how good this kid is, just take a look at the odds board. Despite being a 21-year-old rookie, Koivun is the third favorite at the John Deere Classic with +2200 odds (FanDuel).