John Deere Classic: Dark Horse Candidates in Illinois

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Nick Taylor is a dark horse at the John Deere

GREENSBORO, NC – AUGUST 17: Nick Taylor of Canada reacts following a putt on the ninth green during the second round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 17, 2018 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Nick Taylor – 80/1

Nick Taylor has been playing plenty of PGA golf this season, already appearing in 24 tournaments. He gets his rounds in as well, as he has made the cut in 19 of those 24 events. At the least, I like him to make the cut this week against a relatively week field of golfers.

Taylor played fairly well here last year, finishing T-34th. If he can fire off a round one similar to last year where he shot 64, Taylor is a fantastic choice for making it into the top ten.

He has been feeling it the last two weeks as well, shooting double digits under par at both the 3M Open (-10) and the Rocket Mortgage Classic (-11). Consistency was there for Taylor as well, shooting all eight rounds between 67 and 70.

Putting is his strong suit, coming in at 39th on tour in SG. For a course that is expected to produce low scores once again, a strong putter like Taylor could capitalize. He is average everywhere else and ranks 90th in driving and 101st around the green. As long as he doesn’t get into too much trouble, I see Taylor’s putter leading his dark horse charge into the top ten this week.

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