John Deere Classic livestream to offer rare, behind-the-scenes look at tournament’s impact

SILVIS, Ill. (KWQC) -As John Deere Classic week begins, KWQC is gearing up to take viewers beyond the fairways and inside one of the Quad Cities’ most celebrated sporting traditions.

On Tuesday, June 30, KWQC+ will stream a special one‑hour program dedicated entirely to the tournament.

Hosted by TV6 Sports Director Joey Donia, the broadcast will spotlight the people, history and community impact that have shaped the event into a regional cornerstone.

The livestream aims to pull back the curtain on what it takes to stage a PGA Tour stop — from the more than 2,000 volunteers who keep operations running smoothly to the staff and organizers who prepare TPC Deere Run each summer.

Donia said the volunteer force is “a real testament” to how deeply the tournament is woven into the community.

The program will also revisit the Classic’s origins, tracing its evolution from a small satellite event in the early 1970s to its current home at TPC Deere Run, built in 2000.

KWQC’s William Ingalls will break down several of the course’s most challenging holes and explain how pros approach them, offering golf fans a closer look at the layout.

Beyond the competition, the John Deere Classic’s economic footprint will be a major focus. The tournament generates more than $70 million annually for the Quad Cities, drawing visitors who fill hotels, restaurants and local businesses throughout the week.

The broadcast will highlight Birdies for Charity, the program at the heart of the tournament’s philanthropic mission. Last year alone, it raised nearly $17 million for local nonprofits. Since its inception, the initiative has delivered more than $200 million to organizations across the region.

Donia will also revisit notable exemptions granted to rising stars over the years — including Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson and Tiger Woods — underscoring the Classic’s reputation for identifying future champions.

He hopes the livestream inspires viewers who haven’t attended the tournament to experience it firsthand.

The John Deere Classic special airs June 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on KWQC+. It will be available wherever viewers stream KWQC content, offering a full preview of tournament week — on and off the course.