The Top 100-home of the John Deere Classic opened for business last Friday and club officials are looking at another big weekend upcoming. Upwards of 120 players already are on the tee sheet for this Friday and the promise of good weather has a ray of optimism shining on the pro shop.
Golf Digest magazine ranked TPC Deere Run No. 74 on its list of “100 Greatest Public Golf Courses for 2009-2010.” The Silvis, Ill.-course, which has served as home of the John Deere Classic since the year 2000, also was ranked No. 10 on the magazine’s list for affordability.
“TPC Deere Run is one of the most affordable golf courses among the public Top 100,” said TPC Deere Run general manager Ian Nicoll. “The highest rate you can pay is $85 and our twilight rate is $50. We think those rates recognize not only our home market but also the current state of the economy.”
Designed by Quincy, Ill. native and three-time Quad City champion D.A. Weibring, and architect Chris Gray, TPC Deere Run is a challenging par 71 parkland style course beloved by touring pros and amateurs alike. Weibring crafted a naturalistic course that boasts unique and memorable holes without a hint of contrivance or artificiality.
Nicoll said the course came through the winter extremely well and superintendent Paul Grogan and his team are looking forward to another year of great course conditions.
Meanwhile, head pro Andy Stoterau recently won Golf Operation of the Year for the TPC Network, Destination Facilities.
Steve Stricker, the world’s No. 2-ranked player, is defending champion and plans to be back to defend his title.
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