JDC looks at different dates for tournament

Holiday week schedule can impact golf field  

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said this week that discussions continue with Deere & Co. executives about more attractive dates for the John Deere Classic on the Tour schedule.

Deere has been title sponsor of the JDC for 25 years and is a partner with the PGA Tour. The Moline-based Deere also is the official equipment provider for the network of TPC golf courses.

“This tournament is the foundation of the PGA Tour,” Mr. Monahan said while at the JDC in Silvis. “Everywhere you look on the PGA Tour you see John Deere equipment.”

“To raise $14.1 million for charity last year and $175 million over the years is remarkable,” Mr. Monahan added.

Summer dates are considered by some to be less attractive because of the upcoming Open Championship. In addition, the JDC has faced tournament competition in the past from The Open, the Olympics and other premier sporting events.

Despite the ongoing discussions, the JDC is likely to have the July 4 week tournament dates through at least 2026, Tournament Director Andrew Lehman told the QCBJ on Thursday, July 4.

He said the tournament is in the first year of a three-year contract with the PGA Tour.

‘’We anticipate having the same week when the schedule comes out in the fall. Fortunately, our team has come up with unique ways to celebrate the 4th like the (new partnership) announcement today by Deere and the USO and the Folds of Honor program.’’

For years, the Quad Cities PGA tour event has hit around the summer holiday. Mid-summer dates can be a factor in the strength of tournament fields. Many golfers stay home with families during the holiday week and others may want a break before competing in The Open.

But the JDC tournament’s timing isn’t holding back crowds of golf fans. “We also have a lot of families this week. We’re family-friendly,” added Mr. Lehman.

The JDC tournament play began Thursday, July 4, and wraps up on Sunday, July 7. This marks the Quad Cities’ 53rd year for the PGA event. 

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