BREAKING: John Deere Classic Cancelled do to Social Distancing Concerns

PGA TOUR golf is coming back but if you’re excited for the John Deere Classic you’ll have to wait until next year. Look, I know it’s not like this event is a Major but the course is beautiful. 

TPC Deere Run has been the site for early career wins for players like Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau. I’m also a fan of the course personally having played it just a year ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by John Deere Classic (@johndeereclassic) on Jul 12, 2015 at 3:53pm PDT

As an Illinois resident I have to deal with a State that is slow to move in the direction of “normal.” The reason for this cancellation boils down to regulations and safety concerns for everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by John Deere Classic (@johndeereclassic) on May 28, 2020 at 12:17pm PDT

Per tournament director Clair Peterson:

“We have a small clubhouse, small parking lot. It’s very difficult to get everything established from a social distancing standpoint, including locker rooms and everything else. Our title sponsor (John Deere) has been incredibly supportive, and during this pandemic they have been very cautious with their employees. So when all those things come into play, whatever version of the tournament we put on, we wouldn’t be able to pull off with fans part of it. And that’s a money losing proposition. How much money can we afford to lose? How does our reserve fund look?”

The State isn’t expected to allow gatherings greater than 50 people until after the scheduled event. I still plan on playing the course again later this summer but my hopes of going with the grand stands have just been canceled.

It’s the right decision but it’s still disappointing.

Cover Image via Instagram