Steve Stricker won three consecutive John Deere Classics, from 2009 to 2011.
We could see another hat trick on Sunday night at TPC Deere Run, but not by someone, but by something.
Yes, the Airbnb nicknamed “Trophy House” has one of its residents holding a two-shot lead entering the final round of the Deere. Davis Thompson, who replaced two-time defending champion Sepp Straka at the house this year, shot a 9-under 62 on Saturday to move to 21 under, a pair ahead of Eric Cole and Aaron Rai.
Thompson describes the house, which is also rented by Denny McCarthy (T-12), JT Poston (T-30), Ben Kohles (T-69), Patton Kizzire (MC) and Greyson Sigg (MC), as “pretty quiet” with plenty of room to eat, watch TV and hang out. Straka, who is staying with family, stopped by earlier in the week to play cards.
Over the past two years, Straka has used part of his winnings to pay rent. The same would likely be expected of Thompson (who, as Straka revealed, “snuck into my room” this year) if Thompson scores his first PGA Tour victory.
There must be some lucky furniture or decoration there.
“It’s been fun to be with those guys this week,” Thompson said. “Hopefully it (produces a winner) three years in a row. That would be great. It seems like everyone will want to stay in that house next year.”