Tournament organizers look to skies to draw players

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When it comes to accommodating the PGA TOUR players competing in this week's John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run, the sky's the limit -- literally.

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Mark Calcavecchia is one of several players taking advantage of a special offer.

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The tournament is providing players who have qualified for the British Open with first-class accommodations aboard a non-stop private aircraft charter from Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill., to Manchester, England on Sunday evening.

The luxury wide-body 767 jet -- the same plane used by the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA season -- is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. on Monday, just in time for players to get in a few practice rounds at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, host of this year's third major. Adding to the VIP experience, players and their families will enjoy hassle-free security and customs screening, spacious leather seats, two in-flight meals, state-of-the-art on-board entertainment systems and door-to-door ground transportation, not to mention the peace of mind that their golf clubs and luggage will arrive on time.

Nearly two dozen TOUR players have already confirmed their luxury seats on the aircraft, including former Masters champion Zach Johnson, 2002 PGA champ Rich Beem, recent PGA TOUR winners Sean O'Hair, Woody Austin, Aaron Baddeley and J.B. Holmes; and former British Open champs Tom Lehman, David Duval, Todd Hamilton and Mark Calcavecchia. Three seats have been set aside for each player on a complimentary basis, with costs underwritten by the John Deere Classic and its title sponsor, John Deere. However, a minimum $1,000 donation per seat is requested to help fund the more than 600 charities that benefit from the tournament each year.

Following the British Open, the same jet will ferry PGA TOUR players back across the pond to the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Ontario.

"It's a phenomenal partnership between the John Deere Classic, John Deere and the Canadian Open designed not only to ensure the fields of both tournaments are as strong as they can be, but also to deliver an outstanding experience for our PGA TOUR players," says John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson.

Peterson began inviting players on board in January during the Buick Invitational and the campaigning has paid off. The number of John Deere Classic competitors committed to play in the British Open this year has more than doubled.

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"We've gotten commitments from players I'm sure we would not have gotten without the guarantee of non-stop, VIP air transportation to the British Open," says Peterson. "With ample leg room and other first-class conveniences, the charter will ensure players can stretch out, relax and arrive in England refreshed and ready to play at the top of their game."

Calcavecchia, the 1989 British Open and 2005 Canadian Open champion, hasn't played the John Deere Classic since 1994. He cites the aircraft charter as his primary reason for returning to TPC Deere Run this year.

"The aircraft charter was definitely a factor in choosing to the play the John Deere Classic this year, and the fact that the money goes to charity makes it an even better deal," says Calcavecchia. "I wish they'd had these charters for the past twenty years."

"This venture was well worth its cost, both for us and the players," Peterson added. "While the very top players may be able to afford their own private jets, the great majority of players cannot; this is a considerable luxury for many.

"Additionally, PGA TOUR players are very generous in their support for charity, and the suggested donation gives them the opportunity to give back to worthy causes supported by the John Deere Classic while at the same time enjoy a first-class air travel experience along with their families."

In 2007, the John Deere Classic donated $4.6 million to more than 600 local charities, up from $3.9 million in 2006 -- making it No. 1 in charitable donations on the PGA TOUR per capita in the U.S. Donations resulting from the aircraft charter will increase charitable donations generated by the tournament's successful Birdies for Charity, a program that has raised more than $16 million for participating charities since 1993 through pledges for every birdie made during the John Deere Classic.