2024 John Deere Classic: Top 10 power rankings at TPC Deere Run

Sepp Straka’s first two trips to the John Deere Classic were pretty inconspicuous.

A T-26th (70-67-64-71) in 2019 preceded a missed cut (70-73) in 2021.

It looked like he’d be trunk-slamming once again in 2023 after an opening 73. That type of score is tough to come back from at an event where conditions are tough. At a birdie fest like the JDC, that’s usually a death sentence.

Instead, the Sepptic Tank fought back to post 63-65-62 to not only win; but by two! Straka was on 59 watch until getting a little overzealous on the 72nd hole and nearly blowing the tournament with a double bogey.

Straka finished well in front of the leaders. He sat back and watched as no one could catch up.

The former Georgia Bulldog ranked fourth in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting (6.731) and fourth in SG: Off-the-Tee (3.306). Straka was also T-2nd in greens in regulation (84.72%) and first in birdies (26).

Recent form for the 31-year-old Austrian looks solid, too.

Straka last teed it up two weeks ago at the Travelers Championship where he took T-23rd. He had a stretch of four top-10s in five starts earlier this spring. Three were top-fives and three came in Signature Events.

The two-time PGA Tour winner ranks 32nd this season in SG: Approach (.376) and 33rd in SG: Off-the-Tee (.333). Straka has held down the top spot in driving accuracy at times in 2024 and is currently second (77.76%).

Continued on the next slide...