Updated

Jordan Spieth's remarkable rise through the PGA rankings began with a spectacular bunker save at last year's John Deere Classic.

Now Spieth has returned to the Quad Cities to defend the title that helped launch his career.

Then just 19, Spieth became the youngest PGA Tour winner in over 80 years when he holed out from a bunker on No. 18 and survived a playoff at TPC Deere Run in 2013.

Spieth says his golf world completely changed for the better after winning the John Deere Classic, which tees off on Thursday. Past champions Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson are also among the favorites.