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The John Deere Classic
The John Deere Classic
Established in 1971, the Quad Cities Open was founded by members of the Crow Valley Country Club in Davenport, IA. John Deere assumed title sponsorship in 1998 and renamed the tournament to the John Deere Classic in 1999. Since 2000, the event has been hosted at TPC Deere Run in the Quad Cities community of Silvis, IL.
History runs deep in the 385-acres of land that is now TPC Deere Run. From Native American settlements to farming to coal mining to a horse and cattle breeding program to a prestigious golf course; TPC Deere Run was designed to pay homage to this heritage. This is apparent with each of the 18 holes named after an important time in history.
The first records of the land can be traced back to 1835 when Erskine Wilson purchased the land from the U.S. government. During his time there, Mr. Wilson cultivated the land and for a brief period mined for coal.
The most notable piece of history, just 70 miles north along Rock River, a man named John Deere started a plowing company. This is where he developed his groundbreaking polished-steel plow that helped Midwestern farmers overcome the fertile, sticky soil. Later in 1911, Mr. Wilson sold his parcel of land to Katherine Butterworth, the granddaughter of John Deere.
By 1960, this piece of land grew to nearly 400 acres as a result of adding the other Deere family members’ lands and Friendship Farms — the world-renowned horse operation where the famed Arabian horse, Conquistador, was bred. Years later, a different kind of champion would be announced on the same land.
After decades of farming, mining, and horse-breeding, the Deere family brought this land to its current state – the TPC Deere Run. With the course shaped by history, it is no wonder the JDC continues to foster unbridled talent.
As the Quad Cities’ premier golf tournament, the JDC is a crucial event on the PGA TOUR for some golfers. It is a final chance – for those who are not already exempt – to earn entry into The Open Championship if they finish in the Top Five. For 18 TOUR players, the JDC was the tournament that helped create names for themselves by earning their first victory on the PGA TOUR. Visit our Champions Recap to witness some of the most incredible PGA performances from the JDC.
The John Deere Classic has helped raise over $189 million for charity since its introduction, with most contributions coming from the Birdies for Charity program.
Please consider a donation to the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund for a chance to win a New Lexus and a chance to help support your favorite Charity. Lexus of Quad Cities is endorsing the Bonus Fund and encourages you to designate this fund for your Birdies for Charity dollars. By doing so, all the Charities listed could benefit 5% up to 10% more of the dollars pledged to their Charity. So many of our guests ask how they can thank us for the Lexus suite experience. The best way to thank us is to consider joining us with your support.