TPC Deere Run – John Deere Classic Tournament History: From Farm Roots to PGA Tour Fame

John Deere Classic Tournament History: From Humble Beginnings to PGA Tour Staple

The tournament now known as the John Deere Classic was founded in 1971 as the Quad Cities Open at Crow Valley Country Club in Davenport, Iowa. A year later, it earned full PGA Tour membership and moved to Oakwood Country Club in Illinois, where it retained its place on the calendar under several names, including the Miller High Life Quad Cities Open and the Hardee’s Golf Classic. In 1999, Deere & Company assumed title sponsorship, and in 2000 the event relocated to TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This move marked a new era and ties the tournament closely to the John Deere legacy.

A Course Steeped in Heritage

TPC Deere Run is built on land rich with Midwestern history, spanning Native American settlements, farming, coal mining, and even horse and cattle breeding operations. The course’s design—overseen by D.A. Weibring and Chris Gray—celebrates that heritage, with hole names and natural elements like ravines and river views honoring the region’s past. The signature 16th hole, called “Mother Nature,” features a deep ravine and Rock River backdrop, paying tribute to both the land’s geologic character and its earliest inhabitants.

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Breaking Records and Turning Heads

Over the years, the John Deere Classic has been the stage for breakouts and standout performances. Legendary victories include Steve Stricker’s three consecutive wins (2009–2011) and Vijay Singh’s commanding 2003 tally. In 2005, teenage sensation Michelle Wie received a sponsor’s exemption—the first female in a PGA Tour event since the 1940s—generating widespread media attention. In recent years, the tournament has also been a final chance to qualify for The Open; players finishing in the top five can secure a spot, thanks to John Deere’s charter flights to Britain.

Historic Moments That Defined the Classic

The closing stretch at TPC Deere Run has seen dramatic moments: from Jordan Spieth becoming the youngest tour winner in 2013, to Hayden Springer shooting a rare 59 in 2024, only the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. In 2024, Davis Thompson’s record-breaking 256 total established a new winning benchmark at –28.

A Legacy Rooted in Community

Beyond the competition, the John Deere Classic is deeply enmeshed in its region. John Deere’s title sponsorship since 1999—and now extended through 2030—drives more than $189 million in charitable giving, largely through its Birdies for Charity initiative. The event also includes community events, concerts, and volunteer engagement, embedding itself into local culture .

The Classic of Tomorrow

As the Classic moves toward its next chapters, it continues to blend its farming roots, community spirit, and PGA Tour prestige. With a stellar field set for July 3–6, 2025, TPC Deere Run remains a must-watch event, a proving ground for rising stars, and a beloved summer tradition.

The John Deere Classic has grown from a regional satellite event into one of the PGA Tour’s most respected tournaments—all while retaining its “roots in the land.” Those roots have nourished nearly five decades of champion debuts, dramatic finishes, and community impact.

Don’t miss your chance to join the tradition this July at the 2025 John Deere Classic. Visit the official site to get your ticket and be part of golf history in the making.

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