The John Deere Classic ended with a hometown favorite taking the prize, but it looks like the Quad Cities also came out a winner in this year's PGA tournament.
Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion from Cedar Rapids went into a sudden-death playoff with Troy Matteson Sunday, both ending regulation play tied at 20 under par. On the second playoff hole, Johnson hit a beautiful approach out of the fairway bunker on 18, where is ball rolled within a foot of the pin. When Matteson parred the hole, Johnson tapped the ball in for his 9th career win and one that he considers his 'home' event. Johnson earned $828,000 for the victory.
As for the Quad Cities, the final numbers aren't in yet, but it looks like turnout set a new record. Last year, the JDC brought in about $25 million to the local economy and about $5.3 million for local charities. Based on predictions from tournament director Clair Peterson, this year, we could see even bigger numbers. They don't have a head count, but based on everything from concessions to the parking lots, he says they were busier than last year.
"Every day has been bigger than last year, and last year was a record. So we look at it more on revenue instead of heads, and the parking lots ran out of room. We had all kinds of people in the concessions area and the numbers are good," said Peterson.
Revenue figures won't be released until October.
John Deere Classic Tournament Dir. Clair Peterson
