The John Deere Classic is an annual professional golf tournament that is held on the PGA Tour in Silvis, Illinois. The tournament has been played since 1971 and is known for its strong field, exciting finishes, and charitable contributions. The John Deere Classic is also known for its connection to the British Isles and the Irish and Scottish heritage of its host city.
The John Deere Classic is played at TPC Deere Run, a beautiful golf course located in Silvis. The course was designed by D.A. Weibring, a former PGA Tour player who grew up in nearby Quincy, Illinois. The course is known for its challenging layout, with a number of holes featuring water hazards and narrow fairways.
One of the unique aspects of the John Deere Classic is its connection to the British Isles. The tournament is held in Silvis, a city that was founded by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 1800s. Many of the local businesses and organizations in Silvis have ties to Ireland and Scotland, and the city is proud of its heritage.
The John Deere Classic has also had a number of players from the British Isles participate in the tournament over the years. Past champions of the tournament include Mark O’Meara, Steve Stricker, and Jordan Spieth, all of whom have strong ties to the British Isles through their family heritage or golfing connections.
In addition to its connection to the British Isles, the John Deere Classic is also known for its charitable contributions. The tournament has raised millions of dollars for local charities over the years, including the John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program. The program allows fans to pledge money for every birdie made during the tournament, with all proceeds going to charity.
The John Deere Classic is also known for its exciting finishes. In 2015, Jordan Spieth won the tournament in a playoff, cementing his status as one of the top golfers in the world. In 2019, Dylan Frittelli won the tournament with a final-round 64, including a hole-in-one on the par-3 16th hole.
Overall, the John Deere Classic is an exciting and prestigious golf tournament that has a unique connection to the British Isles and the Irish and Scottish heritage of its host city. The tournament is known for its strong field, exciting finishes, and charitable contributions. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just looking for a fun day out, the John Deere Classic is an event not to be missed.