ROCKFORD MAN WINS CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID VIA BIRDIES FOR CHARITY
A Rockford man who guessed the exact number of birdies recorded at the 2009 John Deere Classic received another bit of good fortune Tuesday when he won a Chevy Malibu Hybrid over four others who also guessed this year's correct birdies total.
The winner was Larry Johnson. The car was in front of the TPC Deere Run clubhouse, where all five finalists were given ignition keys, only one of which would start the car. Johnson's was that key.
Johnson immediately said he planned to donate the vehicle to the Rockford Rescue Mission - the charity to which he made his birdies pledge.
The five finalists were chosen at random from a total of 53 people who correctly guessed that the number of birdies made at this year's tournament would be 1,914, according to tournament officials. All 53 winners will receive a John Deere Classic ticket package for the 2010 tournament.
John Deere underwrites the administrative cost of the Birdies for Charity Program, making it possible for 100 percent of the donations collected to go to participating charities.
Steve Stricker won the 2009 John Deere Classic, finishing with a 72- hole score of 20-under par 264 on Sunday, July 12, at TPC Deere Run. It was Stricker's second victory in 2009 and the sixth of his career.
Chevy is the Official Car of the John Deere Classic. All tournament vehicles were provided by the following nine Select Chevy dealers located at selectchevy.com:
Deery Brothers, West Burlington, Ia.
Eriksen Chevrolet, Milan, Ill.
Green Chevrolet, East Moline, Ill.
Lujack Chevrolet, Davenport, Ia.
McEleney Autocenter, Clinton, Ia.
Mills Chevrolet, Moline, Ill.
Piehl Motors, Princeton, Ill.
Shottenkirk Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, Ia.
Yemm Chevrolet, Galesburg, Ill.