The PGA Tour heads to the Midwest this week for one of the most beloved stops of the season as the 2026 John Deere Classic returns to TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois from July 2–5, 2026.
Known for producing dramatic finishes, launching future stars, and giving fans one of the friendliest tournaments on Tour, the John Deere Classic has become a staple of the PGA Tour’s summer schedule. With FedExCup points, millions in prize money, and valuable exemptions on the line, players will once again battle one of the Tour’s premier birdie-friendly courses.
Tournament Overview
- Tournament: John Deere Classic
- Dates: July 2–5, 2026
- Location: TPC Deere Run – Silvis, Illinois
- Par: 71
- Yardage: Approximately 7,290 yards
- Defending Champion: Davis Thompson (2025)
- Tour: PGA Tour
- FedExCup Points: 500 points to the winner
A Tournament Rich in History
The John Deere Classic traces its roots back to 1971, when it debuted as the Quad Cities Open. John Deere became title sponsor in 1999, creating one of the longest-running title sponsorships in professional golf.
Over the decades, the event has become famous for:
- Discovering future PGA Tour stars
- Producing incredibly low scores
- Family-friendly fan experiences
- Strong community involvement
- Massive charitable giving throughout Illinois and Iowa
Today, it is consistently ranked among the PGA Tour’s best-organized tournaments.
TPC Deere Run
Designed by legendary golfer D.A. Weibring, TPC Deere Run opened in 2000 and quickly became a favorite among players.
The course features:
- Rolling hills overlooking the Rock River
- Wide fairways
- Risk-reward par 5s
- Fast bentgrass greens
- Numerous birdie opportunities
Winning scores frequently reach 20-under par or better, making aggressive golf essential throughout the week.
Past Champions
Some notable winners include:
- Jordan Spieth
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Steve Stricker (three consecutive victories)
- Zach Johnson
- Michael Kim
- J.T. Poston
- Sepp Straka
- Davis Thompson
Perhaps no victory is more famous than Jordan Spieth’s incredible 2013 win at just 19 years old, which launched one of golf’s brightest careers.
Prize Money
The official 2026 purse is expected to remain near the Tour’s standard summer-event level.
Projected Purse:
- Approximately $8.4 million
Expected Winner’s Share:
- Roughly $1.5 million
The winner also receives:
- 500 FedExCup points
- PGA Tour exemption
- Invitations to major championships (where applicable)
- Increased positioning for the FedExCup Playoffs
Players Expected in the Field
While final commitments can change leading up to tournament week, fans are expected to see a strong mix of established veterans and rising stars.
Potential entrants include:
- Rickie Fowler
- Jason Day
- Sungjae Im
- Denny McCarthy
- Si Woo Kim
- Lucas Glover
- Chris Kirk
- Ben Griffin
- Davis Thompson
- Michael Thorbjornsen
- Luke Clanton (if eligible)
- Numerous PGA Tour rookies and Korn Ferry graduates
The John Deere Classic has become known as a breakthrough event where young players often capture their first PGA Tour victory.
What Makes This Event Unique?
Unlike signature events featuring limited fields, the John Deere Classic offers opportunities for:
- PGA Tour rookies
- Monday qualifiers
- Korn Ferry graduates
- Rising international players
That mix often creates exciting leaderboards featuring golf’s next generation.
What to Watch This Week
Fans should pay attention to:
Birdie Fest
TPC Deere Run rewards aggressive play.
Scores below -20 are common, meaning players cannot afford many mistakes.
FedExCup Implications
As the playoffs approach, every point becomes increasingly valuable.
Players near the playoff bubble will be fighting for their season.
Young Stars
Historically, this tournament has launched careers.
Don’t be surprised if another future major champion emerges this week.
How to Watch
Coverage is expected across Golf Channel and CBS throughout tournament week.
Television
Thursday–Friday
- Golf Channel
Saturday–Sunday
- Golf Channel
- CBS
Streaming
Fans can also watch through:
- PGA Tour Live on ESPN+
- Paramount+
- CBS Sports App
- NBC Sports App (Golf Channel coverage)
Streaming availability may vary by region.
Fan Experience
The John Deere Classic remains one of the Tour’s most fan-friendly events with:
- Family activities
- Junior golf experiences
- Food and beverage villages
- Corporate hospitality
- Autograph opportunities
- Practice round access
- Military appreciation events
It also ranks among the PGA Tour’s leaders in charitable giving, having raised well over $200 million for local charities since its inception.
Final Thoughts
Every summer, the John Deere Classic delivers more than just another PGA Tour stop. It provides one of the most exciting scoring environments on the schedule, introduces golf fans to future stars, and showcases one of the Tour’s most welcoming communities.
Whether you’re watching to see who climbs the FedExCup standings or hoping to witness the next breakout champion, TPC Deere Run once again promises four days of birdies, drama, and memorable moments.
As the road to the FedExCup Playoffs continues, the John Deere Classic could produce another career-defining victory and one of the highlights of the 2026 PGA Tour season.
