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.