Kisner lurking menacingly just off the pace

Patrick Rodgers charged to the top of the John Deere Classic leaderboard in round two, the youngster firing a seven-under-par 64 to go two shots clear.

Rodgers, an ante-post 125-1 chance, three-putted from 53 feet to make bogey on his final hole. Byrson DeChambeau is alone in second place, with former John Deere champion Zach Johnson and US Tour formhorse Charles Howell tied for third spot.

Pre-tournament 14-1 favourite, Daniel Berger, is sharing 21st place. Berger has a seven-shot weekend deficit to make up on Rodgers and has drifted to 28-1. Rodgers, a US Tour maiden, is 5-1 market leader, with Johnson at 11-2.

The Rodgers price looks skinny with 36 holes to go. Putting is not his strength and the birdies could easily dry up over the weekend. Ollie Schniederjans has already shown this week how life can quickly change at the TPC Deere Run by carding rounds of 63 and 74.

Rodgers could easily tighten up chasing his breakthrough triumph.
DeChambeau is also a poor putter and is an unattracive 9-1 chance. Johnson, a consistent JDC birdie machine, and Howell, who hardly ever has a bad round these days, are worth considering, but preference at this stage is for Colonial champ Kevin Kisner at 10-1.

Kisner hit all 14 fairways he aimed at in round two, cruising to a 65 which could have been lower had he converted more chances on the greens. His long-game has returned to peak condition in time for him to challenge for the JDC title.

Kisner is not afraid to go low – he almost carded a 59 in the Sony Open in January – and is a strong putter. With TPC Deere Run drying out after a wet start to the week, Kisner's accuracy and putting touch should stand him in excellent stead.

If Rodgers and DeChambeau tread water in front, which seems entirely feasible, Kisner could establish himself in one of the final matches for Sunday and go on to lift the trophy. He could edge Johnson, who has not tasted victory since the 2015 Open.

Johnson looks a solid third-round threeball bet against Rodgers and DeChambeau (5.40pm UK and Ireland time).

Outright recommendation
K Kisner
1pt 10-1 general

Threeballs recommendation
Z Johnson
1pt 6-4 general