The field at this week's John Deere Classic boasts an unusually strong collection of top golfers, with 15 players from last year's FedEx Cup top 50 scheduled to tee it up in Silvis, Illinois. The tournament is drawing big names like Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, Jason Day, and Sungjae Im.

Spieth, currently ranked #59 in the FedEx Cup standings, is making his first appearance at the John Deere Classic since 2015, when he won the event for the second time. As the site of his first PGA Tour victory in 2013, the Deere holds special memories for Spieth. He said having the event on his schedule since the spring was enticing.

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While injuries kept Patrick Cantlay from playing this week, the increased strength of the field compared to recent years is notable. There are seven players ranked in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings scheduled to compete, more than any other full-field event on the PGA Tour schedule this season. Last year's John Deere Classic didn't feature any golfers in the top 50.

Several factors appear to be contributing to the uptick in star power at the John Deere Classic and other non-Signature events on the Tour schedule. The condensed season resulting from the Tour's calendar changes has players more eager to squeeze in additional starts. Meanwhile, the urgency to finish inside the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings or top 70 to qualify for the playoffs is pushing borderline players to take advantage of every opportunity.

The incentive structure created by the Tour's new schedule, which grants exemption to the top eight limited-field events to the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup, is also a factor. While the top players can pick and choose their spots, others are motivated to keep churning up points wherever they can in order to climb into exemption territory or secure their Tour card for next season.

2024 John Deere Classic field (Getty Images)

With only a few full-field events left before the FedEx Cup playoffs, the John Deere Classic provides a crucial chance for stars and bubble players alike to boost their seasons. It seems the revamped schedule is achieving the Tour's goal of more cutthroat competition throughout the wrap-around season. In Silvis, the world's best are taking notice and teeing it up.

Read more: 2024 John Deere Classic Odds Revealed, Up-and-Coming Star Touted as Longshot Pick to Win

How do the $20 million purses influence player participation in the John Deere Classic

The increased points and purse amounts for the signature events make it much harder for players outside the top 50 to compete for the FedEx Cup. Winners of signature events earn 700 points compared to 500 for regular tournaments like the John Deere Classic. Even a 5th place finish is worth drastically more - 300 points in a signature versus just 110 in others. For example, Rory McIlroy could earn almost 3 times as many points for a 5th place finish in a signature event.

Additionally, the top 50 who are exempt to all signatures are guaranteed points in 5 tournaments since there is no cut. With smaller fields, there are more points available each week. This gives an unfair advantage over other players.

Some players feel the PGA Tour has stacked the deck against those lacking exempt status to signatures. Non-exempt golfers miss out on large sums of money - last year the John Deere purse was $7.4 million, winner earned $1.332 million while signatures paid $20 million total. They also have fewer playing and earning opportunities. The system arguably favors star players over competition based solely on merit.

What are the benefits of playing in the John Deere Classic for top-ranked players

FedEx Cup Points Incentives: With the new schedule the Tour has in place, guys outside the top 50 in FedEx Cup points are getting pretty antsy to collect points wherever they can. With only three regular events left before the playoffs start, everyone is trying to crack the top 50 to lock in their spot in those big money tournaments next season.

Open Championship Qualifying Spots: The guys between 50-70 are also grinding hard, hoping to qualify for the playoffs too. On top of that, the Deere offers two spots into The Open for anyone who can finish high without already being eligible. So it gives people another chance to book their trip to Scotland, which is definitely motivating guys to play well.

Course History and Memories: Some of the stars have their own personal history drawing them back. Like Jordan Spieth - he won his first PGA title at Deere Run way back in 2013. I'm sure he's got some great memories of clutch shots that worked out for him there. Beyond that, the tournament itself has been around for ages as the second longest sponsor on Tour. They also do a ton for local charities each year.

Offseason Adjustments: With the break between seasons now clearly defined, guys are well rested instead of burning out chasing points all fall. So they're all refreshed and raring to tackle this condensed January to August stretch. When you combine all that, it's no surprise we're seeing such a strong field competing this week.

References: https://golf.com/news/jordan-spieth-good-players-john-deere-classic/

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