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.
2013: Jordan Spieth Makes History
Jordan Spieth, at the age of 19, became the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour since 1931 with his victory at the John Deere Classic in 2013.
2023: Six Multiple-Time Champions
As of 2023, the John Deere Classic has had six players who have won the tournament more than once.
