Superintendents Play with the Pros at the John Deere Classic

This year John Deere Golf added a forum discussion where key industry leaders discussed current hot topics and issues.

Before the PGA TOUR professionals took the course for the John Deere Classic last week, they joined superintendents from across the nation for a round at TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Ill. The exclusive Monday Pro-Am tournament was hosted by John Deere Golf.

Winning the annual event was a team led by PGA TOUR Pro Morgan Hoffman and included superintendents Dean Miller, PGA West, La Quinta, Calif.; Shawn Emerson and Marc Snyder, Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Matt Armbrister, global channel development manager, John Deere Golf.  The team finished with net score of 50.

“As a superintendent I really value the opportunity to network with peers, meet industry leaders and visit other courses to gain new perspectives,” said Shawn Emerson, Desert Mountain Club. “Playing in the Pro-Am is a great way to do that while enjoying a round of golf.”

The second place team included PGA TOUR Pro Martin Pillar, Brian Anderson, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Penn.; Brian Minemier, Burlington Country Club, Mt. Holly, N.J.; Bryan Stromme, Billy Casper Golf, Huntley, Ill.; and Tom Hannigan, regional sales manager, John Deere Golf.

In addition to the traditional events held at The John Deere Classic, this year John Deere Golf added a forum discussion where key industry leaders discussed current hot topics and issues.  The panel was moderated by Jon Kaminski, turfgrass professor, Penn State, and included, Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; Jim Singerling, CEO, Club Managers Association of America; Ken Cousineau, executive director, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association; and Gregg Breningmeyer, global director, Sales and Marketing, John Deere Golf.

John Deere Golf also held a raffle with prizes including two player spots on John Daly’s Monday Pro-Am team, and two pairs of John Daly autographed Loudmouth® pants.  Proceeds from the raffle were donated to Birdies for Charity, the John Deere Classic’s non-profit partner.