The John Deere Classic has a long history of providing playing opportunities to promising young stars, including players such as Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Jason Day. This year, IJGA/MAJGT alumni Nick Hardy and Doug Ghim have each earned an exemption into the John Deere Classic which will be played at TPC Deere Run on July 9-15.
“In the past we’ve given sponsor exemptions to some elite young players who have gone on to win major championships, but I don’t think we ever have invited as strong a class as we have this year,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson. “It’s a tradition that the John Deere Classic established many years ago and this year the tradition continues in a big way.”
Doug Ghim, Buffalo Grove, Illinois – No. 1-ranked amateur in the world, according to the well-regarded Scratch Players World Amateur Golf Ranking; winner, 2018 Ben Hogan Award; Low Amateur at the 2018 Masters (T-50); runner up at the 2017 U.S. Amateur; four-year starter at Texas; 4-0-0 as a member of the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup team.
Nick Hardy, Northbrook, Illinois – No. 9-ranked amateur in the world, per Scratch Players; T-55, 2017 John Deere Classic; 2-time Big Ten Player of the Year, playing four years at Illinois; 2017 Palmer Cup team member; winner by a record margin, 2016 Illinois Amateur; T-3, 2017 Western Amateur (medal), Sweet 16 qualifier.
On Thursday you can watch Nick Hardy as he tees off at 9:00 A.M., and Doug Ghim as he tees off at 1:50 P.M.
Other IJGA/MAJGT alumni in the John Deere Classic include Kevin Streelman (1:50 P.M.), Brian Bullington (2:20 P.M.), and Vince India (2:10 P.M.).
