John Deere Classic to offer 3 Open exemptions in 2022

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The 2022 John Deere Classic (JDC) announced Wednesday it will provide three exemptions to the 150th Open Championship to the leading three JDC players who finish in the Top 10 (and ties) and who are not already exempt.

This marks the first time the JDC has offered three exemptions. Since 2004, the tournament has offered one exemption under similar qualifications set by the R&A, which governs the game of golf worldwide along with the USGA. The Open has a field of 156 players.

The exemptions are actually awarded by the R&A, an offshoot of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews, Scotland. 

In 2022, the Quad Cities PGA tournament moves up to June 27-July 3 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. The new date puts the golf tournament two weeks before the Open Championship at St. Andrews from July 10-17. Typically, the local tournament is played one week before the Open.

“We are very excited to be able to offer players three opportunities to qualify for the Open Championship, especially the historic 150th edition at St. Andrews – the home of golf,” Clair Peterson, JDC’s executive director, said in a news release. “We have had a very positive relationship with the R&A for nearly two decades, and we’re very appreciative of receiving three exemptions next year.”

The news comes two days after JDC announced that its Birdies for Charity program brought in more than $12.5 million this year – the third-largest donation amount in tournament history. During a presentation at the John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline, Peterson said the donation will be spread across 470 participating charities, who also will receive an 8% bonus. Again, the fundraising effort makes JDC tops in per capita contributions on the regular PGA tour. 

The JDC did not offer any Open exemptions in 2021 due to complications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

John Deere Classic champions who previously have received the exemption include Jordan Spieth (2013) and Bryson DeChambeau (2017). In addition, former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover won the 2021 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run with a score of 19-under par, coming from four shots behind in the final round to win by two.

The JDC, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, has tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise more than $145 million for charity.

 

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