John Deere Classic Legacy at TPC Deere Run: A Journey from Farmland to Fairways

John Deere Classic Legacy at TPC Deere Run: From Local Pride to PGA Glory

In 1971, the Quad Cities Open teed off for the first time at Crow Valley Country Club in Davenport, Iowa. Just one year later, it earned a permanent spot on the PGA Tour schedule and moved to Oakwood Country Club across the river in Illinois. The event cycled through various names—like the Miller High Life Quad Cities Open and the Hardee’s Golf Classic—but its heart stayed firmly rooted in the Midwest. A pivotal moment came in 1999, when Deere & Company became the title sponsor. By 2000, the tournament had found its forever home at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, forever tying it to the John Deere brand and its legacy of precision, pride, and progress.

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TPC Deere Run: Where History Shapes the Game

Nestled along the banks of the Rock River, TPC Deere Run isn’t just a course—it’s a living tribute to the land’s rich Midwestern heritage. Once home to Native American settlements, family farms, and coal mines, the property carries stories in its soil. Designed by former PGA Tour pro D.A. Weibring and architect Chris Gray, the course honors this legacy with ravines, rolling fairways, and hole names that reflect the land’s past. The 16th hole, affectionately called “Mother Nature,” is a breathtaking blend of natural drama and strategic play, standing as a symbol of the region’s rugged beauty and enduring strength.

Iconic Moments, Record Rounds, and Rising Stars

Over the decades, the John Deere Classic has become a launchpad for golf legends and breakout talents. From Steve Stricker’s three-peat dominance between 2009 and 2011 to Vijay Singh’s powerhouse victory in 2003, the event has witnessed excellence in all forms. In 2005, Michelle Wie’s sponsor exemption made waves as she became the first female in a PGA Tour field since the 1940s. And in recent years, the tournament’s role as a last-chance qualifier for The Open has added even more drama, with charter flights ready to whisk the top finishers across the Atlantic for their next challenge.

Drama at Every Turn: Legendary Finishes at TPC Deere Run

TPC Deere Run is no stranger to unforgettable finishes. In 2013, a young Jordan Spieth stunned the golf world by clinching his first PGA Tour win here at just 19 years old. Fast forward to 2024, and history was made again when Hayden Springer carded an astonishing 59—just the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. That same year, Davis Thompson set a new tournament scoring record with a 256 total, finishing at an astounding 28-under-par. These moments didn’t just shape careers—they cemented the John Deere Classic as a place where golf history lives and breathes.

More Than a Tournament: A Heartfelt Community Tradition

What truly sets the John Deere Classic apart isn’t just the golf—it’s the spirit of giving and community connection. Since 1999, John Deere’s sponsorship has fueled over $189 million in charitable impact through the Birdies for Charity program. The tournament is a summer celebration, complete with concerts, volunteer efforts, and family-friendly activities. It’s a gathering that reflects the values of the Midwest: hard work, generosity, and hometown pride. With sponsorship now extended through 2030, the legacy continues—stronger than ever.

The Next Chapter: July 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead to July 3–6, 2025, the John Deere Classic promises another thrilling showcase of top-tier talent, emotional victories, and hometown hospitality. TPC Deere Run remains a proving ground for the next generation of golf legends—a course that challenges the elite and welcomes the underdog. Blending its agricultural roots with global sporting prestige, the Classic remains one of the most beloved stops on the PGA Tour.

Be There When History Swings Again

From farmland fairways to PGA triumphs, the John Deere Classic is more than a golf tournament—it’s a celebration of heritage, heart, and high-stakes performance. This is where future champions are discovered and unforgettable stories unfold.

Join us at TPC Deere Run this July. Witness the moments, feel the excitement, and become part of a tradition nearly five decades strong. The next chapter of golf history is waiting—and it won’t be the same without you.

Read more about Rocket Classic Tournament History