The John Deere Traditional doesn’t have the strongest area in golf yr in and yr out, however the occasion usually includes a handful of stars.
Jordan Spieth will tee it up this yr. As will defending champion and Ryder Cup star Sepp Straka. This yr’s occasion additionally contains Worldwide stars Sungjae Im and Jason Day, 2023 American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, and 2009 Champion Golfer of the 12 months Stewart Cink.
However Patrick Cantlay, who the tour had listed within the authentic John Deere Traditional area, determined to withdraw on Monday. Scotsman Russell Knox will substitute him within the area.
The tour didn’t specify why Cantlay withdrew.
But, if Cantlay had remained within the area, it might have marked his first look on the John Deere Traditional. TPC Deere Run has hosted this occasion since 2000.
One other notable withdrawal is Cameron Davis, who gained the Rocket Mortgage Traditional this previous week for the second time in his profession. His win in Detroit additionally vaulted him up the FedEx Cup rankings and gave him exemptions into subsequent yr’s Masters, The Gamers, and all eight Signature Occasions. As such, Davis felt obligated to take the week off and soak in his victory, which definitely didn’t come simple each on and off the golf course. Had Akshay Bhatia not three-putted, Davis would have doubtless confronted Bhatia in a sudden-death playoff, and who is aware of how that might have shaken out. However Davis was the lone man to complete at 18-under as he fortunately stood atop the leaderboard after 72 holes.
As for Cantlay, his final look got here on the Vacationers Championship, the place he tied for fifth. The week earlier than, the previous UCLA Bruin turned in the very best main efficiency of his profession, tying for third at Pinehurst No. 2. It appears he has discovered one thing as of late, a formidable growth on condition that Cantlay has had a sporadic season. Earlier than the U.S. Open, his finest two finishes got here at Riviera and Hilton Head, tying for third and fourth, respectively. However he additionally struggled on the Gamers, the PGA Championship, and the Memorial. He didn’t have his finest stuff on the Masters, both.
Cantlay can be not listed among the many entrants for subsequent week’s Genesis Scottish Open, the ultimate tune-up for The Open Championship at Royal Troon. As such, all indicators level to golf followers seeing Cantlay subsequent at golf’s oldest main championship in two weeks’ time.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. You’ll want to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
