According to a recent press release, the 2014 John Deere Classic helped raise $6.33 million for 471 local and regional Quad Cities charities, making it the most charitable tournament per-capita on the PGA Tour.
2014’s $6.33 million raised is the second highest total ever by the event and represents the third consecutive year the tournament has helped raise more than $6 million for local charities. Despite the Quad Cities’ comparatively small population, the John Deere Classic annually ranks among the top five events on Tour in total charitable giving. More than 20,000 local businesses and individuals participated in this year’s “Birdies for Charity” program.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, said about 2014’s charitable success in the release, "The PGA TOUR would like to congratulate the John Deere Classic on another tremendous year of charitable giving in the Quad Cities. Everyone associated with the event - Deere & Company, other sponsors, corporate hospitality customers, tournament staff and volunteers, and the fans who support the tournament - are to be commended for their efforts in helping those in need."
Since 1971, the John Deere Classic has drawn fans from around the Quad Cities area. Aside from featuring the highest-skilled golfers in the world, the event also typically displays a number of pieces of John Deere equipment on the grounds. The 2014 John Deere Classic winner was Brian Harman, who won by one stroke over local favorite and past champion, Zach Johnson. The win marked Harman’s first PGA Tour victory, earning him an exemption into the British Open.