PGA Tour, John Deere Classic preview, 4-7 July 2024

SuperSport, the biggest sports broadcaster in Africa, brings viewers on DStv all the action from the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic, live from the  TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 July 2024.

First played as the Quad Cities Open in 1971, this tournament became an official event on the PGA Tour from the very next year, and title sponsors have included Miller Brewing Company (1982–85), Hardee's (1986–94) and John Deere (since 1999). The tournament has also helped raise $174 million for charity through its 53 years of existence.

The reigning champion is Austrian Sepp Straka, who finished two strokes ahead of Alex Smalley and Brendon Todd in the 2023 edition. Straka also scored a hole-in-one in the US Open last month – the first of his professional career.

Straka will have his hands full trying to win the Classic for a second time, as a high-class field descends on the TPC Deere Run – including Jason Day, who started his professional career at the 2006 event when he received a sponsor’s exemption at age 19.

“We are thrilled to have Jason Day in our field,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Andrew Lehman. “After starting his PGA Tour journey at the John Deere Classic back in 2006, Jason has had an excellent career and we’re pleased that he has chosen to return here.”

And on the subject of sponsor’s exemptions, two college players – Big Ten Golfer of the Year Jackson Buchanan of Illinois and NCAA Championship runner up Luke Clanton of Florida State – have received exemptions to play in this year’s John Deere Classic.

“We are thrilled to continue the John Deere Classic’s long-standing tradition of identifying top young golfers and giving them the opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best,” said Lehman.  “With five wins between them this year, both Jackson and Luke have proven themselves to be exceptional players worthy of these highly coveted exemptions.”

Buchanan noted, “I’ve watched the John Deere Classic on TV for many years and am excited to see how I can work my way around the course.”

Said Clanton, “I’d like to thank John Deere and the tournament committee for the opportunity to compete in this year’s John Deere Classic. A long list of outstanding players have launched their careers here, and I hope to be next on that list. I can’t wait to tee it up.”

Since the year 2000, the Classic has awarded exemptions to such future major champions as Lucas Glover, Zach Johnson, Jason Day, Wyndham Clark, Webb Simpson, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.

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John Deere Classic broadcast details

All times CAT

Thursday 4 July

22:00: Day 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

Friday 5 July

2200: Day 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

Saturday 6 July

19:00: Day 3 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

Sunday 7 July

19:00: Day 4 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf