THE PALMER CUP at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove this coming week. June 11-14, Team USA vs Team Europe in this Ryder Cup style event, complete with top college players and named for Arnold Palmer. Practice rounds on the 11th, and play begins on Friday the 12th. Walk the fairways with the players, no ropes but Free admission and free parking. Visit Palmercup.org and Richharvestfarms.com for more information.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS : Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Rory above Right with the Palmer Cup.     ______________________________________________________________________

 JOHNDEERECLASSIC.COM Coming to the TPC Deere Run Golf Course July 6-12, defending champion Brian Harman returns to defend his title.

Defending Champion Brian Harman speaks on the recent Media Day, with Chariman Dave Everitt (L) and Tournament Director Clair Peterson (Bottom right).

He’s back. Yes defending champion Brian Harman will return to defend his John Deere Classic title in this years John Deere Classic from July 6-12.

In fact Harman is not the only past champion in the field this year. 2014 champion and 2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth returns to TPC Deere Run. 2013 champion and John Deere Classic board member Zach Johnson will return. 2010-2011 and 2012 champion Steve Stricker returns as well. Another recent commitment is 2005 champion Sean O’Hair. O’Hair is not likely to be the last past champion in the field come tournament week.

“We always look forward to welcoming back our defending champions, but first-time winners are in a special category,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.” Winning you first PGA Tour is a monumental right-of-passage for every professional golfer. When they win here, they get into the Open Championship, qualify for the Masters, usually get into the PGA Championship. Most importantly from a a career standpoint, they earn the right to play almost any PGA Tour event they choose for the next two years. It’s a big deal in many ways-not to mention a first place check.”

The Deere leaps in front of the TPC Deere Run Clubhouse.

Harman spoke at media day what winning the John Deere Classic has meant to him, while coming in off some great play in the two PGA Tour events he had just played in down in Texas at Colonial and the Byron Nelson tournament. Harman was T-8 at Colonial and T-10 at the Nelson.

With his victory at the John Deere Classic, Harman earned the last spot in the 2014 British Open, where he finished T-26. Harman then was T-40 at the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla. Spieth who won the Masters this year, is still playing great golf and will challenge Harman as both look for their second JDC title.

The tournament will have TV coverage on all four of it’s rounds, the Golf Channel on four days, and CBS on the weekend. The purse this year is $4.7 million with the winner receiving $846,000.

There are a variety of ticket packages, and everyday kids under 12 are free with a paid adult. Special rates for seniors on Thursday during round 1. For more information visit the website or call (309)-762-GOLF (4653).

Click here to hear the interview from media day with champion Brian Harman.

Stay with the Gog Blog for more updates on the John Deere Classic as tournament week approaches.