NEW TIME, SAME PLACE
Photo by JR Howell
NEW TIME, SAME PLACE
JOHN DEERE CLASIC RETURNS TO TPC DEERE RUN - ONE WEEK EARLY Barry Cronin Cronin Communications, Inc. 847-867-3032 (mobile) bcronin@cronincommunications.com The John Deere Classic’s new date, June 29-July 3, is one week earlier than its customary date on the PGA Tour. Happily, this has resulted in more “name” players committing early to the event at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. And tournament officials indicated it’s likely more will commit as their personal playing schedules evolve. In addition to defending champion Lucas Glover, several players already have included the $7.1 million John Deere Classic on their respective itineraries. Those include former major championship winners Jason Day, 2015 PGA Championship; JDC executive board member and 2023 Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open winner, and Webb Simpson, 2012 U.S. Open champion. “We are very excited to have Jason and Webb in the field along with Zach, who has been our most loyal supporter over the years,” said tournament executive director Clair Peterson. “By moving us up one week on the calendar, the 28 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
PGA Tour has afforded us the opportunity to attract players who otherwise could not work us into their schedules. As always, players have until the Friday before the tournament to commit to play or change their plans.” Since 2004, the John Deere Classic has been played the week before the British Open, with the exception of 2016 when it was rescheduled to August because of the Olympics. This year, it is being played two weeks before the British and two weeks after the U.S. Open. As a result, players who normally travel to the Open the week before the UK-based tournament are afforded the opportunity to play in the Quad Cities. Three-peat winner and 2021 Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker, who won the 2009-11 JDCs, will be making his only PGA Tour appearance this year at Deere Run. Stricker has said he is playing because this will be Peterson’s last tournament, as the longtime tournament director has announced his retirement. Some other top names who have committed include 2021 Ryder Cup hero Daniel Berger, recent Tour winners J.J. Spaun and Sepp Straka; Some other top names who have committed include 2021 Ryder Cup hero Daniel Berger,
