Checking In From The John Deere Classic

Joey D checking in. It's been a hectic couple of weeks - the US Open, Travelers Championship and AT&T National - as well as treks back to South Florida to check on the progress of my soon-to-open D1 Athletics GolfGym facility. The blog got pushed to the back burner, but we're back full force this week in Silvis, IL for the John Deere Classic.

Got some unexpected down time today as the second round is yet to start, thanks to some inclement weather. You never know what you're going to get in the Midwest come summertime and today, we're seeing some rain and lightning. On the surface, it doesn't seem like much - but when a round gets postponed out here tensions rise, guys get frustrated and nobody knows what's going on. It's a tough thing to be up against as guys are wondering if they'll play at all today, if they're in for 36 holes tomorrow or if this will be a weather-shortened event, only going 54 holes.

With the Open Championship taking place next week, guys aren't going to be able to stick around for a Monday finish. We've blogged about weather issues in the past and the fact that guys get warmed up in the morning, sit around and wait for their tee time, while making an effort to stay warmed up by coming back in for another session with the weights, stretching, cardio, etc. Right now they officials are calling for a 3pm ET start, but we'll see.

TPC Deere Run started out in great shape earlier this week, but the rain will obviously change those conditions going into the weekend. The course will soften up, the numbers will go super-high and we'll definitely have a different track than the one the players saw on Thursday.

While we have some down time in Silvis, let's talk about next week's Open Championship. The John Deere folk have helped set up a custom 767, which I believe is owned by the Dallas Mavericks, and that chartered flight will take a bunch of guys across the pond next week. Until then, players are doing their best to sharpen their skills and tighten up their game. There are two trains of thought in regard to a major event; play and get ready or enjoy some active rest and let the body get healthy. Either is a good option, depending on the player. Some guys need to be out here and feed off that competitive atmosphere that you can't simulate anywhere but a Tour event. This week you're seeing some guys out at the John Deere that might not have played if there weren't a major next week. For the guys who aren't out here this week and are headed overseas next week, you can bet they're training at home both on and off the course, getting ready for one of the year's biggest events.

I'm looking forward to next week as Turnberry is arguably one of the most beautiful ocean links courses I've ever seen.

Back to the John Deere, I have a few guys out here this week. Pat Perez is back in action, playing his third straight event since missing six weeks with torn ligaments in his ankle. PP is working his tail off in the trailer and he's doing everything we need him to do to regain his strength. It's a slow process and there's still some soreness in the ankle, but he's one step closer every day and he fired a solid opening round 69 yesterday. The range of motion is coming back and I'm expecting some good things out of him as he mounts his comeback.

Jason Gore is back this week, though he's fighting a toe injury. Charlie Wi is out here, attitude as positive as ever, playing some confident golf. Jason Dufner is in the mix, in the midst of a very solid year and we also have a new pro in Joey D's stable, Chez Reavie. Chez has made the commitment to biomechanics and getting his body ready to compete at golf's highest level. I've worked with Chez a few weeks now and he's a welcomed addition to the family. His work ethic is top-notch and his ability to communicate from a player to a coach.

That's all I have for right now. Headed back to the trailer to get my guys ready to go and hoping the get this second round underway, already.

More to come. Stay tuned.

Joey D.