The John Deere Classic Betting Preview

The John Deere has never been the most glamorous PGA Tour event, and the field this week tends to reflect it's proximity to the British Open. The big names are notable by their absence with David Toms being the only "big" name and hence the favourite in Illinois at 7/1. In fact perversely the focus of attention this week will be on 15 year old, Michelle Wie, who has been invited to play with her male counterparts and whose main goal will be to get to the weekend. Stan James have a number of markets on her this week. They bet 7/2 that she will make the cut and 1/6 that she won't, so you can see the extent of the task ahead of her. But she is very strong for her age and hits the ball a mile. She has played on the PGA Tour before and she has not seemed overawed at all. I certainly wouldn't put it past her. The full list of bets are as follows:-Michelle Wie to win The John Deere 600/1Michelle Wie to finish in the Top 5 150/1Michelle Wie to finish in the Top 10 50/1Michelle Wie to finish in the Top 20 16/1Michelle Wie to Make the Cut 7/2Michelle Wie Not to Make the Cut 1/6For the first two days at least, the coverage will include a fair bit of Michelle Wie, but the relative weakness of the field will encourage a lot of the field to put in big displays this week. Players with good records here include Kirk Triplett (33's), Jeff Sluman ( 50's), J L Lewis (66's) and in with a real shout Briny Baird at 80's. His price of 6/1 for a top ten finish could be great value. Last years winner was Mark Hensby and it is interesting that he plays well one in Illinois and lately, in and around the Majors. At 20/1 some would say he's a short price, but he does have a live chance this week. Stewart Cink is second favourite at 12's but his record here is non too impressive. The John Deere Classic is one of these events that is very difficult to call. It always has this wide open feel to it. It might be better to enjoy Wie's bid to make the cut, then get involved in picking the winner at the weekend when the field has thinned out a bit.If it's any help there has been some early money for a couple of players. Paul Stankowski (200's), Brendan Jones ( 150's) and Matt Gogel (100's) have all been nibbled at and they all have played well here in the past.