WVIK Top Stories

John Deere Classic Wins "Most Engaged Community" Again

WVIK, Quad Cities NPR

Published December 12, 2023 at 1:09 PM CST

Social media post created by the John Deere Classic team to celebrate the award.

The John Deere Classic continues to rack up honors from the PGA Tour. Last week, the tournament announced it's been awarded "Most Engaged Community" for the eighth time.

The PGA Tour considers a number of factors when deciding which tournament will win Most Engaged Community. They include attendance, volunteer support, and "how well the community is weaved into the overall flavor of the tournament."

Members of the Deere Classic board hand out checks to nonprofits in October.

This year's Birdies for Charity set a record, raising $14.1 million to benefit 478 nonprofits. (WVIK is one of those nonprofits who participated in Birdies for Charity.)

The classic says in addition to strong attendance, it was the first year for "Concerts on the Course” featuring Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton. It was a big draw for people who aren't necessarily golf fans.

And 2,400 volunteers helped make the golf tournament possible.

Many local companies also support the classic through hospitality sales, not to mention title sponsor, John Deere.

Next year's tournament will be held the first week of July at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.