The John Deere Classic is back. From July 2-5, 2026, the PGA Tour rolls into Silvis, Illinois for one of the most entertaining weeks on the summer schedule. TPC Deere Run is ready, the field is loaded with hungry players, and defending champion Brian Campbell returns to protect his title.
This is the JDC 2026. Here is everything you need to know before the first ball flies Thursday morning.
What Is the John Deere Classic?
The John Deere Classic is a standard PGA Tour event held annually in the Quad Cities region of Illinois. It is not one of the eight Signature Events, which means an open field, more opportunities for breakthrough winners, and wide-open competition from the first tee shot to the final putt.
The 2026 edition is the 55th playing of this tournament. It sits in one of the most strategically important spots on the tour calendar: the week immediately before The Open Championship.
Players arrive in the Midwest either sharpening their scoring form before links golf in the UK, or fighting to secure FedEx Cup playoff position before the summer window closes.
Key Facts About the 2026 John Deere Classic
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | John Deere Classic |
| Date | July 2-5, 2026 |
| Venue | TPC Deere Run |
| Location | Silvis, Illinois |
| Format | 72-hole stroke play |
| Field Size | 156 players |
| Cut | Top 65 and ties after Round 2 |
| Total Purse | $8.8 million |
| FedExCup Points | 500 to the winner |
| Defending Champion | Brian Campbell |
| TV Coverage | Golf Channel (Thu-Fri), CBS (Sat-Sun) |
| Streaming | ESPN+, Paramount+, FuboTV |
History of the John Deere Classic
This tournament kicked off in 1971 as the Quad Cities Open. It played at Crow Valley Country Club in Davenport, Iowa for its first four years, then moved to Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois for a 25-year run. In 2000, the john deere golf tournament found its permanent home at the newly opened TPC Deere Run in Silvis, designed by D.A. Weibring, a three-time champion of the event himself.
John Deere became title sponsor in 1998, and that partnership transformed the tournament’s profile. The company’s headquarters sit just one mile from TPC Deere Run, giving this event one of the deepest corporate connections in professional golf. The purse has grown from $20,000 in 1971 to $8.8 million in 2026, a rise that reflects five decades of steady growth.
The JDC has also been a launching pad for some of the sport’s biggest names. Payne Stewart, Jordan Spieth, and Bryson DeChambeau all won their first PGA Tour title here. Tiger Woods held his first ever 54-hole lead on tour at TPC Deere Run in 1996, finishing fifth as Ed Fiori claimed the win. This tournament writes career-defining moments.
Notable Milestones Include:
- 1971: The tournament debuts as the Quad Cities Open at Crow Valley Country Club.
- 1984: Payne Stewart wins his first PGA Tour title here, launching one of the great American careers.
- 1998: John Deere becomes title sponsor. The purse and profile grow significantly.
- 2000: The tournament moves permanently to the newly opened TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
- 2009-2011: Steve Stricker wins three consecutive titles, the last player to win the same PGA Tour event three years running.
- 2013: Jordan Spieth, at 19, claims his first PGA Tour victory at TPC Deere Run.
- 2018: Michael Kim sets what was then the 72-hole record at 27-under par.
- 2024: Davis Thompson obliterates that record at 28-under, the lowest winning score in tournament history.
- 2025: Brian Campbell wins the John Deere Classic for his second PGA Tour title of the season.
What Makes the John Deere Classic Unique?
A few things separate the JDC from most events on the PGA Tour calendar.
- Positioned right before The Open Championship. That timing creates a fascinating split in the field. Some players use this week to lock in their iron play and scoring touch before heading across the Atlantic. Others are fighting for FedEx Cup position with the playoff push tightening. Both storylines make Sunday feel urgent.
- Not a Signature Event. That means no limited field and no squeezed-out middle of the tour. At the John Deere Classic, 156 players compete with full cuts on the line and careers on the clock. The leaderboard reflects that reality every single week.
- Built for breakthrough winners. The profile here rewards smart, accurate golf over raw power. That is why Steve Stricker, J.T. Poston, Zach Johnson, and Jordan Spieth have all thrived at TPC Deere Run. Some of the most memorable moments in PGA Tour history started right here in the Quad Cities.
- One of the most community-focused events in professional golf. The Birdies for Charity program has raised over $206 million for area nonprofits since 1971. That kind of community connection is rare anywhere on tour.
When and Where Is the 2026 John Deere Classic?
The 2026 JDC runs from July 2 to July 5 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Thursday, July 2 is the opening round. Sunday, July 5 is the final round.
Silvis is part of the Quad Cities metro area, which spans both Illinois and Iowa along the Mississippi River. The region has embraced professional golf for more than five decades, and tournament week here carries the feel of a genuine community celebration.
Course Details: TPC Deere Run
TPC Deere Run is a parkland design built on a former Arabian horse farm in Silvis. D.A. Weibring, a former PGA Tour player and three-time champion of this tournament, designed the course. It opened in 1998 and became the permanent home of the John Deere Classic starting in 2000.
The course is part of the TPC Network, which means premium conditioning, tournament-grade infrastructure, and greens that consistently rank among the purest on tour. Players talk about TPC Deere Run’s greens the way Augusta members talk about Augusta National. Get it rolling here and you can go very low, very fast.
Did You Know? Two players have shot 59 at TPC Deere Run: Paul Goydos in 2010 and Hayden Springer in 2024. The 72-hole record belongs to Davis Thompson, who posted 28-under in 2024.
Course Layout and What It Takes to Win
TPC Deere Run is a par-71 layout stretching to approximately 7,289 yards. Here is what separates the winners from the rest of the field:
- Par 71, approximately 7,289 yards
- Bentgrass fairways and bentgrass greens
- Designed by D.A. Weibring, former JDC champion
- Wide fairways reward accuracy over raw power
- Tree-lined holes require precise tee shots despite the generous landing areas
- Rough is thick enough to punish errant drives
- Greens are fast, undulating, and notoriously pure
- Approach shots from inside 150 yards are the key separation factor
- Winning scores typically land at 20-under or lower
Tournament Format
The John Deere Classic uses 72-hole stroke play. Every shot across all four rounds counts toward the cumulative total. Unlike the no-cut Signature Events on the men’s tour, the JDC runs a traditional cut. The field trims to the top 65 players and ties after two rounds.
| Detail | Information |
| Format | Stroke play |
| Total Rounds | 4 |
| Total Holes | 72 |
| Field Size | 156 players |
| Cut Rule | Top 65 and ties after Round 2 |
| Winner | Lowest cumulative 72-hole score |
| Playoff Format | Sudden-death beginning at the 18th hole |
| FedExCup Points | 500 to the winner |
Round Format Breakdown
Round 1 (Thursday): The tournament opens. Players set early leaderboard positions at a course that rewards aggression from day one. Birdies come in bunches here.
Round 2 (Friday): The cut arrives. The field trims to the top 65 and ties. Every shot on Friday carries extra weight for anyone sitting near the cutline.
Round 3 (Saturday): Moving day. Contenders separate from the pack and position themselves for Sunday’s charge. This year it falls on the Fourth of July.
Round 4 (Sunday): The champion is decided. Whoever stays aggressive, keeps the iron play dialed in, and drains the key putts on Sunday afternoon wins the John Deere Classic.
Playoffs and Weather Delays
If two or more players tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff begins at the 18th hole, rotating through holes 16, 17, and 18 until a winner is decided. The tournament has produced playoff finishes before, and TPC Deere Run’s dramatic closing stretch makes it entirely possible again.
For weather delays, play stops immediately when unsafe conditions develop. Officials resume the same day when it is safe. Extended delays can push rounds into the following morning. In rare cases, Monday play completes the event.
John Deere Classic 2026 Schedule and Tee Times
The full championship week runs Wednesday through Sunday, with competition rounds Thursday through Sunday.
| Day | Event |
| Wednesday, July 1 | Pro-Am / Practice Round |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round 1 |
| Friday, July 3 | Round 2 / Cut Announced |
| Saturday, July 4 | Round 3 (Independence Day) |
| Sunday, July 5 | Final Round |
This year’s tournament falls across the Fourth of July weekend, with moving day landing on Independence Day. That makes an already electric week in the Quad Cities even louder.
When Are Tee Times Released?
- Rounds 1 and 2: Released Tuesday morning of tournament week
- Round 3: Announced after the Friday cut is finalized
- Round 4: Confirmed once Saturday’s round is complete
For live tee times and pairings, check the official PGA Tour website or the official tournament website, which provides real-time updates throughout the week.
2026 John Deere Classic Player Field
The 2026 John Deere Classic field is not final until Friday, June 26. What is already confirmed is a strong mix of past champions, current form players, and FedEx Cup contenders making their moves at exactly the right moment.
Who Is in the 2026 Field?
- Brian Campbell (Defending Champion): Won the 2025 JDC and already claimed the Mexico Open earlier this season. He returns knowing his approach play and putting suit TPC Deere Run better than almost anyone in the field.
- Ben Griffin (World No. 15): Arrived in 2026 in exceptional form with three top-10 finishes and six top-25 finishes on the season. He tied for fifth at the 2024 JDC and enters as the highest-ranked player in the 2026 field.
- J.T. Poston (World No. 38, 2022 JDC Champion): Back for his ninth start in Silvis, coming off a recent win at The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. Past champion. Current form. Full course knowledge. Dangerous combination.
- Lucas Glover (2021 JDC Champion): Has posted three top-10 finishes here in the last five years. At 45, he is one of the most predictable performers at TPC Deere Run and knows how to go low on these greens.
- Max Homa: An elite iron player whose approach game fits perfectly with what TPC Deere Run rewards. Always a threat at accuracy-track events.
- Rickie Fowler (World No. 56): Committed early after a solid 2025 JDC appearance. Currently playing with confidence and hungry for a win.
- Sungjae Im: When his game clicks, there are few players on tour who go lower. His consistency in recent starts makes him worth watching every round.
- Emiliano Grillo: Quietly one of the best iron players in the world this season. Three top-20 finishes in recent starts have his momentum pointing upward heading into Silvis.
- Chris Gotterup: A powerful player whose accuracy improvements this season make him a better fit for TPC Deere Run than in past years.
- Joel Dahmen: A course regular who plays smart, controlled golf and is always capable of a low week at birdie-friendly venues.
Important note: The full field is not confirmed until June 26, 2026. Check the official JDC website at johndeereclassic.com for the final confirmed player list.
Defending Champion and Past Winners
Brian Campbell carried the title into the 2026 season after winning at TPC Deere Run in 2025. His victory was his second PGA Tour win of that season and launched him into the top 60 in the world rankings.
| Year | Champion |
| 2025 | Brian Campbell |
| 2024 | Davis Thompson |
| 2023 | Sepp Straka |
| 2022 | J.T. Poston |
| 2021 | Lucas Glover |
| 2019 | Dylan Frittelli |
| 2018 | Michael Kim |
Steve Stricker holds the most dominant record in tournament history: three consecutive wins from 2009 to 2011. That remains the last time any player won the same PGA Tour event three years in a row.
Predictions: Who Will Win the 2026 John Deere Classic?
This is not a week for the tour’s longest hitters. The John Deere Classic rewards a specific type of player, and the confirmed 2026 field has several who fit that profile.
What the Course Rewards
TPC Deere Run consistently produces winners who check these boxes:
- High ranking in Strokes Gained Approach (iron play from 75-150 yards is decisive)
- Elite putting from inside 15 feet
- Controlled, accurate driving (not necessarily long)
- Ability to string multiple birdie runs across consecutive holes
- Mental toughness when the leaderboard compresses late Sunday
Players to Watch
1. Ben Griffin is the most compelling name in the 2026 field. His current form is the best of anyone who has committed. He tied for fifth here in 2024. His iron play and putting are both clicking at the right moment, and this course suits his game better than almost any stop on tour. He is the player to beat.
2. J.T. Poston is a textbook course fit. He won here in 2022, has nine starts at TPC Deere Run, and just won at Muirfield Village, meaning his form is sharp right now. When a past champion arrives in current form, you pay close attention.
3. Lucas Glover is as reliable here as anyone on the PGA Tour. Three top-10 finishes in five recent starts at this venue tell you everything you need to know. He knows how to go low at TPC Deere Run and stays composed when it matters on Sunday.
4. Emiliano Grillo is quietly one of the best iron players in the world this season. Three top-20 finishes in recent starts and consistently excellent approach stats at TPC Deere Run make him the value play of the week.
5. Brian Campbell cannot be dismissed. He knows this course, knows how to win here, and his iron play is the same weapon that claimed the 2025 JDC title. Back-to-back winners are rare here, but Campbell has the game to make it happen.
The honest prediction: expect double-digit under par from multiple players, a Sunday leaderboard full of names nobody outside the Quad Cities predicted, and a winner who earns it on the back nine with the flatstick. That is the John Deere Classic every single year.
Prize Money for the 2026 John Deere Classic
The 2026 JDC carries a confirmed purse of $8.8 million, with 500 FedExCup points awarded to the champion. The full payout across all finishing positions will be officially confirmed after the final round on Sunday, July 5.
Those 500 FedEx Cup points matter enormously this week. With the playoff push entering its final stages, a win here can shift a player’s standing significantly heading into the summer stretch.
How to Watch the 2026 John Deere Classic
The John Deere Classic airs live on Golf Channel and CBS. Golf Channel carries Thursday and Friday. CBS picks up the weekend, delivering Saturday and Sunday to the widest possible audience.
Broadcast Schedule and Coverage Details
| Day | Round | TV Coverage |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round 1 | Golf Channel (afternoon) |
| Friday, July 3 | Round 2 | Golf Channel (afternoon) |
| Saturday, July 4 | Round 3 | Golf Channel (early) / CBS (afternoon) |
| Sunday, July 5 | Final Round | Golf Channel (early) / CBS (afternoon) |
Note: All broadcast times are subject to PGA Tour confirmation. Coverage typically runs approximately 4-7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel for early rounds and 3-6 p.m. ET on CBS for weekend rounds. Check local listings for confirmed times closer to the event.
Streaming Options
- ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live): Available all four rounds from early morning. Features the main feed, marquee group coverage, and multiple featured group streams.
- Paramount+: Streams CBS coverage live on Saturday and Sunday.
- FuboTV: Carries both Golf Channel and CBS with full live streaming access.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes Golf Channel and CBS.
- YouTube TV: Golf Channel and CBS both available.
- PGA Tour Radio (SiriusXM): Audio coverage all four rounds.
Tickets and On-Site Access
Tickets are available through the official John Deere Classic website. The course opens to the public on Wednesday for the Pro-Am.
Key things to know before you go:
- Youth 15 and under receive free grounds admission with a paid adult, Wednesday through Sunday
- Military Appreciation Free Admission is available Wednesday through Sunday with a valid military ID
- All parking is off-site with shuttle service to TPC Deere Run. Passes must be purchased online in advance. No day-of parking passes are available on site.
- Bags and purses must be 6″ x 6″ x 6″ or smaller
- Mobile devices are permitted for photos and video throughout the course. Phone calls must be limited to designated Cell Phone Zones.
- Cameras are not permitted during competition rounds Thursday through Sunday
Concerts on the Course
The 2026 JDC adds something most golf tournaments cannot offer. Live concerts run on the course during the weekend:
- Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day): Carrie Underwood performs at TPC Deere Run
- Sunday, July 5: Old Dominion performs following the final round
These concerts make the John Deere golf tournament one of the most unique fan experiences on the entire PGA Tour calendar. Staying for Sunday’s show after watching the final putt drop is a Quad Cities tradition.
Birdies for Charity: Community Impact
The John Deere Classic has raised over $206 million for area charities since its founding in 1971, including a record $16.9 million in 2025 alone. Nearly all of that giving happened under John Deere’s stewardship since 1998, benefiting more than 460 regional nonprofits across the Quad Cities.
The Birdies for Charity program is central to that mission. Community members pledge donations based on the total number of birdies the pros make throughout tournament week.
At a course known for producing some of the lowest scores on tour, those birdie totals add up fast. This community-first approach is what separates the John Deere Classic from most stops on the PGA Tour calendar.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 John Deere Classic is exactly what professional golf looks like when it does not take itself too seriously. No velvet-rope field. No Signature Event price tag. Just 156 players, a scoring-friendly course, and a purse that can shift the FedEx Cup standings in a single weekend.
Brian Campbell comes back to defend. Ben Griffin is playing the best golf of his career. TPC Deere Run is ready to produce another unforgettable Sunday finish.
Whether you are heading to the Quad Cities or watching on CBS and ESPN+ from home, the 2026 JDC is worth every minute of your attention.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 John Deere Classic runs July 2-5 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.
- It is a standard PGA Tour event with a full ~156-player field and a traditional cut after 36 holes.
- The tournament carries an $8.8 million purse and 500 FedExCup points for the winner.
- Brian Campbell returns as defending champion after winning the 2025 JDC.
- Ben Griffin (World No. 15) and J.T. Poston (World No. 38, 2022 champion) headline the confirmed 2026 field.
- TPC Deere Run rewards accuracy, iron play, and elite putting over raw distance.
- Davis Thompson holds the 72-hole tournament record at 28-under, set in 2024.
- The JDC falls the week before The Open Championship, making it a key tune-up and FedEx Cup battleground.
- Live coverage airs on Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday) and CBS (Saturday-Sunday), with streaming on ESPN+.
- Concerts on the course include Carrie Underwood on July 4 and Old Dominion on July 5.
FAQs
Is the John Deere Classic a Signature Event?
No. The John Deere Classic is a standard PGA Tour event, not one of the eight elevated Signature Events. It features a full open field of approximately 156 players, a traditional 36-hole cut, and broader qualifying criteria.
When Did Jordan Spieth First Win at TPC Deere Run?
Jordan Spieth won the John Deere Classic in 2013 at just 19 years old, claiming his first PGA Tour title in Silvis. He returned and won again in 2015.
What Is Birdies for Charity at the John Deere Classic?
Birdies for Charity is the JDC’s signature giving program. Community members pledge donations based on the total number of birdies made by the pros throughout tournament week.
How much did the winner of the John Deere Classic win?
Brian Campbell took home over $1.5 million after winning the John Deere Classic on Sunday at TPC Deere Run. His winner’s share came from a total purse of $8.4 million.
