EAST MOLINE, Illinois (April 19, 2011) – Two-time major champion John Daly will play in this year’s $4.5 million John Deere Classic, July 4-10, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. It will be the first time the former PGA and British Open champion has competed in the event since 2007.
In addition to playing in the tournament, fan-favorite Daly has agreed to play in both the Monday and Wednesday pro-am events, according to tournament director Clair Peterson. Daly requested an exemption, which was granted by the John Deere Classic executive board.
“We’re excited to have John Daly return to the John Deere Classic,” Peterson said. “Twenty years after he thrilled the world by winning the 1991 PGA Championship, John still is one of the better-known and more popular players on the PGA TOUR. We think he’ll add to the excitement of both our pro-am days and to the tournament itself.”
Famous for his prodigious driving of the golf ball, Daly, who turns 45 later this month, is ranked 11th on the PGA TOUR in measured drives at 298 yards. Last year, he made 14 cuts in 20 PGA TOUR events and two in four events on the European Tour.
Daly has a total of five PGA Tour victories and four international wins. His best finish last year was a tie for 24th at the Puerto Rico Open. In 2009, he tied for 27th at the British Open – a major championship he won in 1995 – and finished tied for second at the Italian Open.
Tickets for the John Deere Classic are available at www.johndeereclassic.com or by calling 309-762-4653.
The PGA Tour began its run in the Quad Cities in 1971. John Deere, whose world headquarters is in Moline, Ill., assumed title sponsorship of the tournament in 1998 and is committed through 2016. The tournament moved to TPC Deere Run in 2000.
The tournament helped raise $4.34 million for 500 charities in 2010, ranking it first among regular PGA TOUR events in per capita contributions at $11.57 for each of the 375,000 residents of the Quad City area and eighth overall on the PGA TOUR.
The John Deere Classic, which includes Birdies for Charity, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, Illinios. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise $37.94 million for charity.
Contact:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801
bcronin@cronincommunications.com
