PGA Tour tournament honored for “Most Engaged Community” in 2011
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – The John Deere Classic (Silvis, IL) was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The John Deere Classic earned an award for “Most Engaged Community” during the 2011 tournament at TPC Deere Run.
“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to congratulate the John Deere Classic for being named the best among its peers on TOUR,” said PGA TOUR EVP and Chief of Operations Andy Pazder. “The tournament committee should be proud of the special recognition the event has earned for its efforts.”
With a population of 375,000 in the Quad Cities area, the John Deere Classic drew more than 100,000 spectators in 2011. Support was sought from the area’s three schools, the University of Illinois, the University of Iowa and the University of Western Illinois.
In addition, the John Deere Classic hosted an extensive armed services program benefitting the military population, as well as a Youth Day which drew more than 500 kids. From a charity standpoint, the John Deere Classic took in over 22,000 pledges from individuals in the Quad Cities.
“The John Deere Classic is honored once again to have been recognized as the Most Engaged Community on the PGA TOUR,” said John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson. “This award is recognition for what has been going on with this event for the last 41 years in terms of community involvement. In a community of 375,000 people, we have 20,000 donors to our Birdies for Charity program; we attracted between 90,000 to 100,000 fans to the tournament every year, more than 70 local corporations entertain clients and employees, and we have an incredible group of 1,200 volunteers who make it all happen. Moreover, we raised $5.3 million for charity in 2011 and in this community that really makes an impact.”
The 2012 John Deere Classic, captured this year by defending champion Steve Stricker, will be held July 9-15 at TPC Deere Run.
About PGA Tour
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 100 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.
The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.
In 2011, the three Tours collectively have tournaments in 29 states and in 12 countries and territories outside of the United States. PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to nearly 600 million households in 225 countries and territories in 30 languages.
Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2010, tournaments on the three Tours generated more than $120 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to more than $1.6 billion.
The PGA TOUR’s website is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra, FL.
Contact:
Joel Schuchmann
PGA Tour
904-280-4707
joelschuchmann@pgatourhq.com
