One-and-Done Golf Picks for the John Deere Classic

Below, I’ve outlined three players worth a look for OAD pools this week at the John Deere Classic.

For those unfamiliar, OAD pools closely mirror an NFL survivor contest. Players select a golfer each week and earn their prize money at the conclusion of the event.

The catch? Contestants can only use a player once. Additionally, not all prize pools are created equally, which further adds to the game theory.

Golf odds are reflective at the time of writing and are subject to movement.

3 Best John Deere Classic One-and-Done Picks

Keith Mitchell (+2200)

Mitchell finished T-4th at the U.S. Open after a fifth-place finish at TPC Craig Ranch. Over the last four months, only two players posted a higher 2+ SG: TOT percentage than Mitchell.

It likely quells some of Mitchell’s course history concerns. Not since 2018 has Mitchell posted a top-10 finish at TPC Deere Run, with one top-20 in his last four.

But his recent underlying metrics offer a lot of encouragement. Over the past six months, Mitchell ranks eighth in par 4 birdie or better rate. Over the last three months: 10th.

He also showed a penchant for playing well at easy setups. Since last season, Mitchell ranks seventh in SG: TOT on “easy” or “very easy” setups, including 11th this year.

To me, this event offers the final opportunity to use Mitchell. Second in my model, Mitchell likely offers a high floor in a low prize money event.

Jacob Bridgeman (+3300)

Bridgeman already has a win under his belt this season and played well at easy courses.

Prior to winning at Riviera, Bridgeman posted a T-8th at Pebble Beach and a T-13th at the American Express. Recently, he finished 11th at the RBC Canadian Open.

Only one player spiked to 2+ SG: TOT at a higher rate than Bridgeman over the last six months. He dips to 15th over the last four, but still offers high upside thanks to a brilliant putter.

Plus, Bridgeman ranks second in par 4 birdie or better rate over the last six months. On holes measuring 351-400 yards, he leads the field in par 4 efficiency since January.

It makes him a perfect candidate to use at what’s essentially a putting contest. For me, I’m not saving him for the Scottish Open, Open Championship or the playoff events.

Tom Kim (+3300)

Kim reminded golf fans of his ceiling with a podium finish at Shinnecock Hills. Now he gets a chance to perform well at a venue where he posted decent metrics last year.

Despite missing the cut here in 2025, Kim finished at +2.4 SG: APP over two rounds. However, poor off-the-tee play resigned him to two rounds.

He enters the John Deere Classic having played the weekend in five straight tournaments. Kim struggled in Texas, but he finished 20th or better in three of his last five starts.

Quality iron play drove those results. Since May 1, Kim has led this field in SG: APP while sitting second in SG: TOT.

In his 20 rounds since May 1, Kim spiked to 3+ SG: APP 10% of the time and 2+ 20% of the time. If his putter cooperates this week, he could lean on his irons for a fourth PGA Tour win.