Can Jordan Spieth come from behind again at the John Deere Classic?

The 2024 John Deere Classic is officially underway and what a crazy start to the tournament we’ve already seen. Scores were expected to be low, but I don’t think anyone expected 14 players to be 7-under or better after the first round. Let alone Hayden Springer who led the way after shooting a 12-under 59 on Thursday.

The field itself doesn’t have too many big names in it, but one name that everyone knows is Jordan Spieth. The two-time John Deere Classic champion is teeing it up in the event for the first time in nine years, and unfortunately for Spieth, he has a lot of ground to make up.

But that’s something Jordan Spieth is more than used to at this event.

Spieth opened round one on Thursday with a 2-under 69. Not bad by any means but he already found himself ten shots off the pace. You might think he stands little to no chance of winning this tournament, but you better think again.

After round one, Spieth said “The years I won, I opened with 70 and 71, so I’ve improved on that."

So even though Spieth has more than proved he’s still capable of winning this weekend, this time will be harder than his previous victories in 2013 and 2015.

In 2013 after a first round 70, Spieth was only six shots back. Then, in 2015 after a first round 71, he was eight shots back. So while these come-from-behind victories were extremely impressive, they don’t match what’s in front of him the rest of the weekend.

We also need to factor in Spieth’s form this season. In the 18 tournaments he’s played in 2024, Spieth has missed the weekend six times. He also doesn’t have a win this season, only has three top 10s, and has failed to finish better than 29th in his last 10 events.

So even though we all know Spieth has the ability to make a comeback, I personally don’t see it happening mainly because of the form he’s been in this season.

However, I do hope I’m proven wrong.