DAVIS LOVE LEADS NEW GROUP OF PLAYERS COMMITTING TO 2009 JOHN DEERE CLASSIC
"We are excited and proud that Davis Love will be playing in this year's John Deere Classic," said tournament director Clair Peterson. "Davis is one of the great players of this era and is one of the classiest guys in the game."
"Adding Davis's name to a field that already includes this year's U.S. Open champion and two players who competed in a sudden death playoff at The Masters makes it one of the better competitive lineups we've had in a number of years." Peterson was referring to U.S. Open victor Lucas Glover along with John Deere Classic defending champion Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell, who were in a sudden death playoff at this year's Masters.
Love's name heads a list of recent players committing to play in the tournament set for July 6-12 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. Among them are Charles Howell, Daniel Chopra, Steve Elkington, Brad Faxon, Lee Janzen, Bob Estes, Bart Bryant, Jeff Maggert, and Vaughn Taylor.
Robert Gamez, a long time supporter of the Quad Cities event, received a sponsor exemption.
For a complete updated field list please visit www.johndeereclassic.com and click Field List.
Love's most recent Tour victory came at the end of last season when he prevailed at the Children's Miracle Network Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Florida and logged two other top 10 finishes. His best finish this year was when he took second place at the Mercedes Championship followed by a fifth place finish at The Memorial just a few weeks back. He has seven top 25 finishes in 15 starts.
Love played on six consecutive Ryder Cup teams from 1993-2004. He won the 1997 PGA Championship at Winged Foot in New York.
The addition of Love gives this year's John Deere Classic field 12 major championship winners and 24 winners of tournaments over the last two years.
"We're pleased with the depth of our field to date, "Peterson said, adding that the players still have a chance to commit until the Friday before tournament week.
Howell played the 2000 John Deere Classic on a sponsor exemption just after turning pro and finished in third place, his best showing here. It was the tournament's first year at TPC Deere Run. Howell also played in 2001 and '02.
Tickets for the John Deere Classic are available at www.johndeereclassic.comor by calling 309-762-4653.
Kenny Perry won the 2008 John Deere Classic and will defend his title starting July 9 at TPC Deere Run.