SILVIS – John Deere Classic favorite, Steve Stricker, WD from the tournament after a runner-up outing in last week’s Senior U.S. Open. He shot (-9) 275 and fell one stroke behind tournament champion Padraig Harrington.
The John Deere Classic has a long history of successful outings by Sponsor Exemptions. Players competing on sponsor exemptions this year that have not yet been a PGA Tour member include:
- Luke Gannon: 3rd career PGA TOUR start (MC at 2021 John Deere Classic and 2022 U.S. Open); PGA TOUR Canada member
- Patrick Flavin: 8th PGA TOUR start this season (five as Open Qualifier); 76 non-member FedEx Cup points
- Christopher Gotterup: 5th PGA TOUR start this season (best: T-7/Puerto Rico Open); 2022 Division I Player of the Year
- Quinn Riley: PGA TOUR debut (MC at 2022 REX Hospital Open on Korn Ferry Tour); No. 1 in 2021-22 APGA Collegiate Ranking
Daniel Berger, the highest ranking PGA Tour pro entered this week, withdrew
from the John Deere Classic and stated via Twitter: “Gutted to have to withdrawal from the @JDCLASSIC this week. I am working on getting back to 100% but do not feel prepared to tee it up on Thursday. I want to wish all the players luck and thank @JohnDeere for their continued support.”
In his 3rd start at the John Deere Classic this week, Illinois native Nick Hardywill tee-it-up at TPC Deere Run on the heels of his career-best finish of T-8 at last week’s Travelers Championship.
Sperry, Iowa native Charles Jahn will make his PGA TOUR debut at the John Deere Classic this week. Jahn holed a 40-foot putt for birdie at the third extra hole to advance in a 6-for-1 playoff on Monday.
There are eight events over the next six weeks remaining until the start of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. With 76 of the top 125 in the FedExCup standings not competing this week, the John Deere Classic provides an opportunity for players outside the Top 125 to make a move before the end of the FedEx Cup Regular Season.