The week before the British Open means one thing, a lackluster field in the tournament leading up to it. It’s the John Deere Classic played at TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois that has a pretty dull field but this is still the PGA and there are still solid players out there to fill up a tournament. The Deere has seen 17 first-time winners, including Sean O'Hair last year and without the big names, it can easily happen again.

Accuracy is the key to winning on this course. 70 bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course and vary in depth and shape. There are a few blind shots and there are chipping areas to confound the best players. There are gentle doglegs, requiring precision more than power and that is why we will have to look at all-around players this week. It requires shot making and maneuverability, plus imagination with the short game.

Zach Johnson is the favorite this week, coming in at 15-1 even though his track record at Deere Run is not very impressive. His best finish here is a tie for 20th while he has missed the cut two times in his four career starts. He is the favorite simply because he is the best player here this week. He is 17th on the money list and has missed only four cuts all season long. He has finished 21st in his last two events since the U.S. Open.

Steve Stricker is listed at 20-1 which might come to a surprise to many, but he is having a solid season. He has missed only one cut and while playing only nine events, he is still a very high 45th on the money list. He has placed sixth or higher in two of his last three events which included the U.S. Open so he is playing some good golf right now. In three starts at the Deere, he has a fourth place finish while coming in 46th last year.

Ben Crane is also at 20-1 this week and he is another player who has been playing very well. He's made seven straight cuts that include two top six finishes, one coming two weeks ago at the Booz Allen. His John Deere results have been iffy as his best finish is a tie for 32nd. However, his game has improved and he really fits this course because players need to think off the tee and Crane is the biggest thinker out there.

Last year’s winner O’Hair is listed at 25-1. He is having a disappointing sophomore season as he is 102nd on the money list and has yet to crack the top ten in 19 events. He has missed the cut in nine of those tournaments but he is in the midst of his best run of the year. He has finished 36th or higher in five of his last six starts, missing the cut in the Buick Championship as his only hiccup.

This week’s longshot is someone that is not on anyone’s radar but fits this course to a tee. Charles Warren is listed in the field in most places but you can get some long odds at some places. He has only one top ten finish but he is first on tour in total driving, sixth in greens in regulation and 30th in scoring average. His putting is atrocious but if the flat stick gets hot, he will be a contender on Sunday.