July 15, 2015 – John Deere will continue as a title sponsor of professional golf through 2023 as a result of a seven-year extension announced July 7 by Deere & Company, the PGA TOUR and the John Deere Classic. The agreement includes sponsorship of the John Deere Classic and multiple designations for John Deere in the TOUR’s Official Marketing Partner program.
“This sponsorship has significant impact in many important areas for John Deere,” said James Field, president, John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture and Turf Division. “The agreement helps our company sell equipment, build relationships with customers and dealers, and promote the John Deere brand worldwide.”
In addition, Field noted, hundreds of community organizations have benefited from millions of dollars in contributions made through the John Deere Classic, and the tournament has had substantial economic impact on the Quad City community where it is held.
The agreement was announced during a news conference at Deere & Company world headquarters two days before tournament play began at the 2015 John Deere Classic.
PGA TOUR Deputy Commissioner Jay Monahan joined Field to announce the new deal that runs through 2023, taking effect when the current six-year agreement expires at the conclusion of 2016. Financial details were not disclosed.
“When we first entered a marketing agreement with John Deere, the PGA TOUR was confident this would be an exceptional association,” Monahan said. “The two organizations have similar corporate values, and we are pleased with the direction this relationship has taken. We’re naturally delighted to announce a continuation of this valued collaboration through 2023.”
Since the tournament began in 1971, more than $62 million has been raised for community and charitable organizations, including more than $6.3 million for 471 organizations in 2014.
John Deere became title sponsor of the tournament in 1998. As a result of the agreement announced July 7, John Deere will celebrate 25 years as a PGA TOUR title sponsor in 2022.
“The board of directors for the John Deere Classic are thankful for the tremendous support provided by Deere & Company,” said tournament director Clair Peterson. “We want to provide not only great sports competition, but also an event which the community can be proud of, be involved in, gain benefit from, and support as a spectator or volunteer.”
Deere retains its designation as Official Golf Course Equipment Supplier to the PGA TOUR, Official Golf Course Equipment Supplier of the TPC Network, Official Landscape Product Supplier of the PGA TOUR, and Official Golf Course Equipment Leasing Company. John Deere equipment is used at all TOUR-owned TPC facilities.
A recent study by Deere estimated the impact of the John Deere Classic is approximately $54 million annually to the Quad City area economy. This estimate includes money spent on travel, food and lodging by visitors; the purchase of goods and services to support the tournament; and other purchasing that would not be needed if the tournament did not exist.
The sponsorship also exposes the John Deere brand to a worldwide audience. More than 125 million households in the United States and one billion households worldwide will have access to the tournament telecast.
