It's a milestone year for the John Deere Classic. Deere signed its first sponsorship agreement with the PGA 20 years ago, and now has the third longest sponsor relationship on the the tour.
During this year's media day at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, company chairman and chief executive officer Sam Allen said the tournament has been a great showcase for Deere and its products.
"We've always emphasized this is not the Quad City Open sponsored by John Deere - it's the John Deere Classic. So the brand is first and foremost and it's got to end up shining the brand and not tarnishing the brand - and it's done that in spades."
He's also pleased the golf tournament has raised $80 million for charity during the past 20 years.
Last year's winner, Ryan Moore, will return to defend his title. And says he's only missed the tournament a couple of times since he turned pro 13 years ago.
"I grew up in a smaller town in the state of Washington and something about being here reminds me of that - reminds me of home. Just to see everyone come together and put on a great event and see how much this means to this area."
This year's John Deere Classic will be held the week of July 10-16, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
Deere's current sponsorship agreement with the PGA runs through 2023.
