The British Open is one of the most prestigous golf tournaments in the world, as the allure of the courses and atmosphere is matched only by its designation as one of the four major tournaments.
While many times the defending champion for the tournament would take off the weekend prior to the beginning of play, Loius Oosthuizen had different plans. The South African decided to play in the John Deere Classic instead of preparing overseas for the major championship, ESPN reported.
Oosthuizen decided to forgo the normal preparatory measures for a defending champion in order to view the John Deere facility and drive a tractor at the premises in Illinois. While other golfers were getting accustomed to weather that Scotland is famous for, the tractor happy golfer had other ideas, reported the news source.
"Since I was a little boy, my dad loved John Deere, and I always imagined myself driving one,'' Oosthuizen told ESPN. "That dream came true last year; after the Open I decided to buy one. I'll tell you what, when I walked away today, my manager said he wants my credit card because 'you're not buying anything.' But it was just great to see everything, and yeah, I'm very tempted.''
John Deere tractors like the one used by Oosthuizen are available in a variety of models on the company website.
Golfer tours John Deere facilities
Oosthuizen decided to forgo the normal preparatory measures for a defending champion in order to view the John Deere facility and drive a tractor at the premises in Illinois.