Jordan Spieth Remains a Massive John Deere Classic Threat: Here’s Why

Many laughed at him despite making the cut at TPC Deere Run. But Jordan Spieth surprised everyone after the third day of play on Saturday. He jumped from T47 to T12, a whopping 35 places, courtesy of a third-round score of 8-under-63 that came off nine birdies. The situation, meanwhile, remains a bit bleak for the pro, owing to his trailing Davis Thompson at T1 by 7 strokes with just one more day to go. However, if the past has taught us anything, it is to not underestimate the 3-time major champ!

The golfer has emerged victorious two times at the John Deere Classic, with his last win coming in 2015. He beat the likes of Tom Gillis in a playoff after tying for the first spot with a score of 20-under-264. But there’s a catch. He won the tournament two times despite starting off the first round with figures of 70 and 71 in 2013 and 2015, respectively, the latter year of which was insane for the pro!

When did Jordan Spieth shine brightest on the PGA Tour?

One might find it hard to believe that the 30-year-old PGA Tour Pro is the same golfer who raked in an amazing season back in 2015. Jordan Spieth emerged triumphant five times back then, including the two major championship victories at the Masters and the U.S. Open. He also topped the scoreboard at the Valspar Championship, the John Deere Classic, and the season finale, the TOUR Championship.

The year was phenomenal for the American pro, who climbed the OWGR to the top spot, all thanks to his insane finishes. He also placed himself a total of 15 times inside the top 10, which included five wins and four runner-up positions. Interestingly, the then-22-year-old Spieth also became the second youngest golfer to win the major championship at Augusta National. Nothing short of impressive!

The scintillating finishes back then played a major part in him currently occupying the 8th spot on the career money list. His $22 million in earnings back in 2015 subsequently allowed him to currently have $62,512,553 in total money earned up until the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, which he didn’t take part in. He truly “was on another level in 2015!”

But unfortunately, the golfer back then remains a stark contrast to the athlete he is now, especially after the dismal year in 2024. One can only look on in surprise as Jordan Spieth hopes to regain his former glory, of which the John Deere Classic is the first step!

Spieth’s amazing comeback at the John Deere Classic

He started off the tourney with a 2-under 69, a start which seems much better than the ones he carded in the 2013 and 2015 editions. He followed the same with a 67, which allowed him to make the cut for Moving Day while placing himself at T47 on the leaderboard. But he wasn’t too disappointed with his performance. “Once you make it to Saturday it’s a freeing feeling,” said the golfer before adding, “Just being this far behind on a course where it’s not coming back to you is a tough place to be, but I’ll try and shoot 14-under on the weekend and post a good finish.”

Spieth sure has taken the first step towards his goal of 14-under, which is an 8-under on Saturday. Moreover, even the pro had aimed for the same while commenting on the golf course when he said, “When it’s soft it’s one of the easiest ones we play… So I will try and beat the field average by four or five shots, but that is going to take shooting 8- or 9-under.” Although a bit too far to clinch, the 30-year-old will still look to top the scoreboard and claim the title of champion for the third time. His ardent fans would be waiting for the same!