Local Knowledge: TPC Deere Run and the 2009 John Deere Classic

The John Deere Classic presents two incredible opportunities. The first is to earn a PGA Tour win. The second is to lock up one of the final spots in the following week's Open Championship. TPC Deere Run PGA Head Professional Andy Stoterau took a few minutes to tell PGA.com why the John Deere Classic is so special.

PGA.com: One would think that being played the week before a major championship would mean facing some serious challenges. However, once again, you have a strong field for the John Deere Classic. What is it that keeps the players coming back?

Stoterau: I think it has more to do with the community and the involvement of the tournament office and the welcome that they get there with what John Deere means to this area. It's such a family atmosphere and they enjoy coming here for that. It also doesn't hurt to have a phenomenal course either. Add to that the fact that we have a jet that takes players to the British Open and it's a pretty easy decision to come here for a lot of guys. Instead of having to drive to Chicago to catch a flight, maybe stopping in New York, being jet-lagged and not getting over the pond until Tuesday, now we get them there on the jet early Monday morning with first-class service, which makes getting over there not that big a deal. It's been a great addition and it's just a part of the services they get down here at this great Midwestern event. It's been that way for 39 years and the players realize how fun and easy it is.

Zach Johnson is the local favorite at the John Deere Classic. (Feldman/Getty Images)

PGA.com: There's almost a story inside the story at the John Deere Classic as the top finisher who finishes in the top 5 that isn't otherwise qualified for the Open gets an exemption in. It provides some great drama down the stretch, doesn't it?

Stoterau: We've got 20 guys already going there, but this is their last shot. It's 11:59 and midnight's coming. Does the clock strike 12? Everyone on Tour appreciates the chance to play in a major. It's a huge advantage for us. That's another reason you get these guys. We've always had such a strong, young, up and coming field. It adds to the power of the veterans that are already here. You have the race for the champion and the race to the Open. The spectators and players all know it's there. It's a tournament within a tournament, really. Sean O'Hair started it in 2004 when he won. He didn't have a passport, but the folks at John Deere were able to make sure he got one so he wouldn't miss out on the trip. It's a great complement to the event to have the last opportunity to get over there. Everyone of those guys have played well there too and I think it speaks volumes to those that represent the John Deere Classic.

PGA.com: Over the last several years, players have raved about the golf course. Tell us a little about what makes it so special.

Stoterau: It's that classic kind of feel. The course looks like it's been here 100 years. It's a standalone course with no housing on it. It just fits the eye. There's nothing better than to stand on the tee box, look down the hole and say, 'that looks really good.' We always have some great scores here. D.A. Weibring did a great job with the design. He incorporated the natural terrain of the area and let the course build itself. The players have begun to recognize what a great course it is.

PGA.com: The John Deere Classic is about as close to a home game as it gets for Zach Johnson. What would it mean to the community to see Zach win?

Stoterau: I think while we try not to pull for anyone individually, the community is certainly pulling for Zach. He brought home the fact that there are good players in this area when he won the Masters. We root hard for him. He clearly has the biggest gallery around these parts, even more so than our defending champions. There's a homey feel to this area and we like to root on the guys we know. Zach's such a great ambassador to the area and for these people.

PGA.com: If someone is going to the John Deere Classic for the first time, tell me three things they can't miss.

Stoterau: Hopefully they don't miss the merchandise tent! They really need to walk the course. They need to start on No. 1 and walk the course, see the terrain, the elevation changes, the great bunkering, the stuff that television just doesn't do justive. They need to see it. I think they need to take in some of the John Deere stuff we have too, because it's such a big part of this community. Check out all the equipment set up on No. 9, walk the course and read the signage on each hole. Each one has a name. They need to take the time and take in the history. The third thing is to say hi to the volunteers and the workers. They're the folks that make this the first-class event that it is. Just enjoy the experience. There are so many smiles and happy faces out there, so stop to talk and say hi to everyone.