John Deere Classic

 
 
John Deere Classic earns "Best Of" award at PGA TOUR Tournament Advisory Council Meetings
 
February 13, 2009
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (November 14, 2008) - The John Deere Classic (Silvis, IL) was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR's Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings this week. The John Deere Classic earned the award for "Most Engaged Community" for its support from the communities that make up the Quad Cities. Community involvement starts with title sponsor John Deere, with its world headquarters located in Moline. Thanks to John Deere's commitment, the tournament creates a fun, family-oriented atmosphere, and has earned the reputation as the premier sporting event in the Quad Cities. The John Deere Classic continues to be ranked No. 1 for the most dollars given to charity per capita of any event on the PGA TOUR, having generated $4.6 million for participating non-profit organizations last year through the Birdies for Charity program. "On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding job and special recognition the John Deere Classic has received for its efforts," said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. "The tournament council should be extremely proud for being recognized as the best among their peers on the TOUR." The 2009 John Deere Classic, captured last year by Ryder Cup star Kenny Perry, will be held July 9-12 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL. "It's a big deal in our community," said John Deere Classic Tournament Director, Clair Peterson. "It's our Super Bowl each year. We have 500 charities that are engaged in our Birdies for Charity program, which is a measure of the depth of the participation all through town. For 38 years, it continues to grow in support. Everyone understands the importance of the charitable aspect and the support just keeps coming in." About the PGA TOUR The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world. In 2008, the three Tours will compete in 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.PGATOUR.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.