Past champions Zach Johnson and Jordan Spieth are ready to compete this week at the 45th annual John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities. The golfers spoke to reporters today in Silvis at TPC Deere Run before tomorrow's pro-am.
Johnson, a native of Cedar Rapids, sits on the tournament's board of directors. He says it's spectacular news that Deere and Company has extended its title sponsorship with the PGA Tour and the classic.
Johnson, who also serves on the tournament's board, won the classic in 2012, then Jordan Spieth won the following year at the age of 19. Spieth is having a great season, winning the Master's in April and the US Open last month. He's eager to play this week after a vacation in the Bahamas, and before next week's British Open.
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Spieth says there's plenty of room for another John Deere Classic trophy next to the leaping deer he won in 2013.
The tournament starts Thursday morning. Tomorrow's pro-am will feature actor Bill Murray, plus Deere and Company Chairman and CEO, Sam Allen, and defending champion Brian Harman.