The PGA’s John Deere Classic is hoping to draw more big names to this year’s tournament by making it easier to get to the British Open the following week. Tournament director Clair Peterson says there have been examples of tournaments using a similar system.
The Deere Classic has chartered a 100 seat 767 that will leave the Quad Cities after the tournament and fly directly to Manchester, England. Peterson says they wanted a plane with enough first class seats to allow the players to bring along their caddies and spouses. Each player will get three seats.
Peterson says it will make it much easier for players to get to England, as there are no connections, so players won’t lose their clubs. He says last year several players had their clubs show up late. Peterson says they are hoping to raise some money for charity in the process. He says they’re asking for a onerousness dollar donation to the tournament’s charity, which Peterson says most players feel is reasonable when you look at the cost of a first-class seat on the plane.
Peterson says the jet is already paying off. Five major champions have already committed to play. He says it’s been an issue for those who qualify for the British Open, as it makes it difficult for them to do both. But, now they can do both. This year’s John Deere Classic is set for July 10th through the 13th.