The Loop

Fantasy Fix: Why we're taking Steve Stricker over Jordan Spieth at the John Deere Classic

July 08, 2015

Many people disagree with Jordan Spieth's decision to play in this week's John Deere Classic, but a certain tractor-making sect of the population is revving up its farm equipment in excitement over the return of the young superstar.

While I commend Spieth honoring his commitment to play in the event where he won his first PGA Tour title, I'm not (gasp) recommending you play him in your fantasy golf leagues this week. We're all familiar with the phrase "look-ahead game" in sports, right? Well, this is the ultimate look-ahead situation for Spieth, who will be looking to win a third straight major next week at the most famous golf course in the world (This is also the final tournament of Segment 1 and I've already maxed out on Spieth starts). There's NO no probably no way he plays well this week. Of course, I didn't think we'd ever see a 21-year-old golfer win the first two legs of the Grand Slam, either. . . In any matter, here's who I'm going with (gulp) instead this week in my PGA Tour Fantasy Golf lineup:

Steve Stricker: There are three certainties in this life: Death, taxes, and Steve Stricker at the John Deere Classic. The three-time winner of this event, hasn't had a top 25 in six events this season, but that changes this week. Even when he played sparingly last year, he dropped by to post a T-7 at TPC Deere Run. Just sit back and watch the Strick Show. . .

That's either a mistake or the man is way too modest. Moving on. . .

Zach Johnson: Another Midwesterner who treats this event like a major, ZJ has been just as reliable as Stricker at TPC Deere Run with five top-three finishes in the past six trips. That run includes an incredible streak of 24(!) straight rounds in the 60s here.

Kevin Kisner: Another week, another playoff loss for Kisner. The Kiz became the first player since Horton Smith in 1937 to lose three PGA Tour playoffs in a single season. But not even ol' Horton pulled off the feat in less than three months. I might have to ride him until he finally breaks through.

Tony Finau: I was going to go with another one of last week's playoff losers, David Hearn, in this spot, but opted with the high-powered Finau for his driving stats. Plus, the PGA Tour rookie has quietly put together a streak of seven straight top 25s.

__ Bench:__ David Hearn and Brian Harman.

And for those of you playing other fantasy golf formats:

Yahoo! lineup: Steve Stricker, Kevin Kisner, Zach Johnson and Tony Finau.

__Bench/backups:__Harris English, Brian Harman, Patrick Rodgers and David Hearn.

__Knockout/One-and-done pick:__Steve Stricker.

Previously used: Keegan Bradley (Bay Hill), Paul Casey (Honda), Jason Day (Farmers -- WINNER!), Luke Donald (Valspar), Jamie Donaldson (Doral), Jim Furyk (Valero), Sergio Garcia (Players), Bill Haas (Riviera), Billy Horschel (Memphis), Charles Howell III (Sony), Dustin Johnson (Pebble), Zach Johnson (Colonial), Matt Kuchar (Heritage), Marc Leishman (Nelson), Phil Mickelson (U.S. Open), Geoff Ogilvy (Hyundai), Louis Oosthuizen (Houston), Ryan Palmer (Humana), Webb Simpson (Greenbrier), Brandt Snedeker (Travelers), Brendan Steele (Phoenix), Jimmy Walker (Masters).