History of John Deere Classic in Timeline

The John Deere Classic is an annual professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, held in July at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. It typically precedes The Open Championship.

1931: Previous Youngest Winner

Prior to Jordan Spieth's win in 2013, the record for the youngest PGA Tour winner was set in 1931.

1971: Quad Cities Open Inauguration

The Quad Cities Open debuted in 1971 as a "satellite event" on the PGA Tour.

1971: Tournament Debut at Crow Valley

The inaugural Quad Cities Open was held at Crow Valley Country Club in Davenport, Iowa, in 1971.

1972: PGA Tour Recognition

The Quad Cities Open was elevated to an official PGA Tour event in 1972.

1974: Final Year at Crow Valley

The Quad Cities Open saw its final edition at Crow Valley Country Club in 1974.

1975: Ed McMahon's Hosting Tenure Begins

Ed McMahon took on the role of tournament host for the Quad Cities Open in 1975.

1975: Relocation to Oakwood Country Club

The Quad Cities Open shifted to Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois, in 1975.

1979: End of McMahon's Hosting Period

Ed McMahon concluded his stint as the tournament host of the Quad Cities Open in 1979.

1982: Miller Brewing Company Sponsorship

Miller Brewing Company came on board as the title sponsor for the Quad Cities Open in 1982.

1986: Hardee's Takes Over Sponsorship

Hardee's replaced Miller Brewing Company as the title sponsor of the Quad Cities Open in 1986.

1999: Farewell to Oakwood

Oakwood Country Club hosted its last John Deere Classic in 1999.

1999: John Deere Becomes Title Sponsor

The Quad Cities Open was renamed the John Deere Classic as John Deere became the title sponsor in 1999.

2000: Move to TPC at Deere Run

The John Deere Classic found its permanent home at the TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, starting in 2000.

2005: Michelle Wie Garners Attention

The John Deere Classic received heightened media coverage in 2005 due to Michelle Wie's participation as a sponsor's exemption.

2006: Michelle Wie's Second Appearance

Michelle Wie's return to the John Deere Classic in 2006 through another sponsor's exemption once again increased media attention.

2008: Charter Flight to The Open Championship

To accommodate players participating in The Open Championship, the John Deere Classic introduced a charter flight in 2008, departing from the Quad Cities on Sunday night and arriving in Britain the following morning.