Pro golfer Zach Johnson, an Iowa native, says by offering transportation to the British Open, the John Deere Classic will attract more big names. The tournament is using the plane that transports the Dallas Mavericks and offering spots to players and families that will take them nonstop to Great Britain. "This is a straight shot — straight from Moline to Manchester, (England)," Johnson says. "…I know the players that love this tournament as much as I do appreciate it and those that are going are excited and those that aren’t are excited to try to get that last spot."
In previous years, getting from the John Deere Classic to the British Open meant a drive to Chicago and then a connecting flight overseas. Johnson says last year he made it —
but his clubs did not. "I didn’t have my clubs for about a day and a half," Johnson says. "…This plane, I’m telling you, is going to alleviate a lot of stresses."
Johnson believes more of the big names will consider the Deere Classic because of the chance to fly nonstop. "As time goes on and the once the word gets out that, ‘Wow, this plane was great,’ I think it can only improve from year to year," Johnson says.
The John Deere Classic is scheduled for July 10 – 13. The first round of competition in the British Open is Thursday, July 17.
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