Cedar Rapids native Zach Johnson makes his 24th start at the John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities for Thursday’s opening round. Johnson won the tournament back in 2012 and says it always feels like he is returning home.
Johnson is skipping the U-S Senior Open to play this week. The 50-year-old has two wins on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines nearly three weeks ago.
Johnson says he feels like he can be competitive.
Johnson may not get many more chances to play the tournament, Under the two-tiered system of tournaments the PGA Tour will implement in 2028, Johnson could be barred from playing.
Jordan Spieth makes his sixth start in the Quad Cities. The two-time champ claimed his second victory back in 2015.
Spieth says the large crowds will make for a fun atmosphere.
Spieth has eight top 25 finishes on the PGA Tour this year but has yet to contend on a Sunday.
Spieth is hoping for a successful week.
Sunday’s winner will claim a nearly 1.6 million dollar share of an 8.8 million dollar purse.
