Zach Johnson may have won the 2012 John Deere Classic, but there were nearly 500 other winners as well through the tournament's Birdies for Charity program.
The 2,113 birdies from over the weekend will transform into around $6 million for charities and organizations throughout the Quad City area. Last year, Birdies for Charity raised $5.3 million.
Organizers say it's their best year yet and attribute the success to the community and John Deere, the tournament's official sponsor. In recognition of its 175th anniversary, John Deere donated $175 for each birdie that took place on Saturday and Sunday.
"It really says a lot for our community," says Kristy Ketcham-Jackson with Birdies for Charity. "Other tournaments across the country in big cities look to us for how do you get your community so motivated and so excited and so willing to support their charities so it says a lot for our community and for John Deere."
Since its founding in 1971, the John Deere Classic has helped raise more than $43 million for charity.