The tournament, which runs July 4 to 10, 2011 will also feature more than 20 recent PGA tour winners.
Among committed players who have won a tournament in the last two years are Jerry Kelly, Rocco Mediate, John Rollins, Bo Van Pelt, Heath Slocum, and former John Deere Classic champion Kenny Perry (2008).
Current-year champions who have committed to date are former John Deere Classic champion Jonathan Byrd (2007), two-time winner Mark Wilson, Jhonny Vegas, D.A. Points, Johnson Wagner, Michael Bradley, Brendan Steele, and Keegan Bradley.
Up-and-coming 23-year-old Australian sensation Jason Day, who tied for second this year at The Masters, also has committed.
British Open-qualified players have committed and likely will be boarding the tournament’s non-stop Sunday evening charter to Royal St. George’s. Among them are Stricker, Byrd, Kelly, former Masters champion and Cedar Rapids (Ia.) native Zach Johnson, Bo Van Pelt, and former British Open champions Todd Hamilton and John Daly. Other recent Open qualifiers include Brian Davis, Bob Estes, Nathan Green, Spencer Levin, and Chris Tidland.
Also returning will be veteran Paul Goydos, who finished second to Stricker last year after shooting a 12-under par 59 in his opening round. Other former major champions in the field include Rich Beem (2002 PGA Championship), Shaun Micheel (2003 PGA), and Mike Weir of Canada (2002 Masters).
In addition to Byrd and Perry, past John Deere Classic champions in the field are John Senden (2006), Mark Hensby (2004), and J.P. Hayes (2002).
Former Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players who have committed are Scott Verplank, Boo Weekley, Brett Wetterich, Chris Riley, Vaughn Taylor, and Chris DiMarco.
“Players have until 5 o’clock Friday before the tournament to commit, so we expect to add other top name players as tournament week draws closer,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.
Tickets for the John Deere Classic are available at www.johndeereclassic.com or by calling (309) 762-4653.
(information provided by Cronin Communications, Inc.)
