Peeling Back the Turf at TPC Deere Run: A Look Behind the Scenes of the John Deere Classic

As the sun rises over TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, preparations for the 2024 John Deere Classic are in full swing. This annual PGA TOUR event, scheduled from July 4-7, promises exciting golf action and a showcase of the meticulous work that goes into maintaining one of the tour's most esteemed courses. At the heart of these efforts is Jonathan Graham, a dedicated member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for 11 years and the superintendent at TPC Deere Run for two years.

Meet the Grass Master: Jonathan Graham

Jonathan Graham’s journey in golf course management began at TPC San Antonio as a senior assistant, eventually leading him to TPC Deere Run. Over his seven years here, including two as superintendent, Jonathan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. His expertise ensures that the course meets the high standards expected by the PGA TOUR and provides an exceptional experience for both players and spectators.

Supporting Jonathan is a team of skilled professionals, including Assistant Superintendents Jarrett Chapman and Evan Sedlack, Equipment Manager Bruce Phillipson, Irrigation Foreman Alex Johnson, and Landscape Foreman Lyndsay Buckley. Together, they work tirelessly to prepare the course for the tournament, supported by 22 employees and an additional 35 volunteers during the event.

Course Design and Setup

Designed by D.A. Weibring and opened in 2000, TPC Deere Run spans 400 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain. The course features 28 acres of fairways, 120 acres of rough, 76 sand bunkers, and three water hazards. This year, holes No. 1, 6, 11, and 15 have been narrowed by approximately five feet to enhance the challenge for players.

The course setup for the tournament includes a par-71 layout with a yardage of 7,289 yards. The greens, averaging 5,500 square feet, are meticulously maintained with L-93 bentgrass mowed to a precise height of .100 inches. The fairways and tees, also composed of Southshore bentgrass, are kept at .375 inches, while the rough features a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and fescue at 4 inches.

Turfgrass

• Greens: L-93 bentgrass
• Collars: L-93 bentgrass
• Approaches: Southshore bentgrass
• Tees: Southshore bentgrass
• Fairways: Southshore bentgrass
• Rough: Kentucky bluegrass / fescue

Turf Management and Environmental Stewardship

Managing a golf course of this caliber requires a deep understanding of agronomy and environmental stewardship. The silty clay soil and surface water sources present unique challenges, particularly concerning drainage, which the team addresses with innovative solutions and careful planning.

Sustainability is a key focus for the team at TPC Deere Run. The course’s history includes land uses by Native Americans, coal mining, and the Hewitt family’s Arabian horse-raising endeavors. Today, maintaining the balance between preserving the natural environment and providing a world-class golf experience is paramount.

The Broader Impact

The work done by Jonathan Graham and his team extends beyond the confines of TPC Deere Run. The GCSAA, headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, plays a vital role in advancing the profession of golf course management. With 20,000 members in over 78 countries, the association provides education, information, and representation, fostering the growth and vitality of golf worldwide.

As the John Deere Classic unfolds, spectators and players alike will witness not only top-tier golf but also the result of countless hours of dedicated work by the TPC Deere Run team. From the precise mowing of greens to the strategic narrowing of fairways, every detail reflects the commitment to excellence that defines the GCSAA and its members.

Social Media

• Superintendent: @TPCDeereRunAGR
• Course: @TPCDeereRun
• Tournament: @JDCLASSIC
• GCSAA: @GCSAA

FULL TOURNAMENT FACT SHEET:  CLICK HERE