Jordan Spieth targets a ‘patient’ John Deere title defence in Illinois

Twelve months ago, Jordan Spieth become at 19 the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour since 1931 with a thrilling play-off victory at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.

The American world number 10, who has since embellished his credentials as one of the most exciting prospects in the game, is back at the TPC Deere Run this week where he aims to defend his title with the same strategy that worked so well last year.

“Stay patient out there,” Spieth told reporters yesterday. “I know that this week is one you typically have to make more birdies than a US Open.”

“Normally it takes in the teens to even 20 under [par] to win [here], and that’s always tough going in knowing that and trying to stay patient, even though you know it needs a lot of birdies.”

Since that breakthrough playoff win as a rookie on the PGA Tour, Spieth has ended his debut season on the US circuit by qualifying for the elite Tour Championship, becoming the only player other than Tiger Woods to do so after starting the year without any playing status.

Spieth is the highest-ranked player competing this week at the TPC Deere Run where fellow Americans and fan favourites Zach Johnson, the world number 16, and Steve Stricker, ranked 19th, are also in the field.

Johnson has finished in the top three in four of his last five starts at the event, including a victory in 2012, while PGA Tour veteran Stricker won the John Deere three years in a row from 2009-2011.

THE LOWDOWN
Course: TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois
Prize money: $4.7m ($846,000 to the winner)
Length: 7,268 yards Par: 71
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports from 8pm tomorrow (Illinois is six hours behind Ireland)
Course overview: The track, crafted by DA Weibring in 1999, is one of the easiest on the US Tour and Paul Goydos opened with a 59 in 2010. Steve Strieker carded 60 on the same day before finishing at 26 under par for 72 holes. The first and second holes are extremely easy, so there is scope for a fast start. Weather forecast: Hot and sticky, with a constant thunderstorm threat and light breezes.
Key attributes: The John Deere Classic lends itself to low scoring, so support the flat-stick masters