The field for next months John Deere Classic near the Quad Cities is taking shape and a number of big names from the PGA Tour have already committed to take part. Tournament director Clair Peterson says they knew Kenny Perry would be back as returning champion and Masters winner Zach Johnson would return to his native state, and they continue to add more names.
Perterson says more players will sign on as the tournament draws near, but some of the more recognizable names don’t commit until right before the tournament. The John Deere Classic is the week before the British Open but last year tournament officials made it easier for players to take part and get overseas.
Peterson says the charter plane used last year paid off as they had 22 players who played and went to the British Open, while the year before they only had 8. They already have 19 this year.
Peterson says they will offer the charter to the British Open again this year and ask each player to give a $1,250 donation to the tournament’s charity fund for each seat. Peterson says there are a number of players in the field who have won on the PGA Tour.
The tournament begins July ninth.