TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois - A PGA-Tour-Caliber Course in America's Heartland

When designing TPC Deere Run, course designer and PGA Tour player D. A. Weibring took a "build it and they will come'' approach and theme. And not only golfers, but the PGA Tour came in response to what has been described as a majestic course. Now, TPC Deere Run golf course is known as the annual site of the PGA Tour John Deere Classic, which the course has hosted since opening in 2000.

Even though the course is relatively new, designer Weibring gave TPC Deere Run an "old-time'' feel. The 18-hole, par-71 course plays to a lengthy 7,213 yards at its longest and runs along the Rock River. The river is visible on nine holes, and TPC Deere Run also features some dramatic pitches and rolls, some 70 bunkers of varying shapes and depths, gentle doglegs, a few blind shots, and several chipping areas, from which players can extract themselves from trouble.

According to Weibring, "It has all the things I think you'd like to have in a golf course. There are elevations changes, great views and scenery, hardwood trees. You have the Rock River complemented with small ponds, deep ravines...and there's no real estate.''

The course covers about 170 acres and makes use of the features of a former horse farm high above the Rock River Valley. The course is not considered a "target-oriented'' layout, but does require imagination, shot-making and maneuverability. There are five sets of tees, and providing golfers with numerous options is a theme that runs throughout the layout.

One of the more noteworthy holes is No. 4, a par-4 that plays to 450 yards and doglegs rights. Right off the tee, golfers must make a choice, as a large oak sits in the middle of the fairway. Another noteworthy hole is the par-4 No. 14, which plays to 358 yards but is drivable because it plays downhill. Coming up short, however, of the hole's elevated green will leave players with a blind shot from a tightly mowed chipping area. Going long can be even worse, as errant drives will clatter down a 60-foot bluff.

What follows on holes 15-18 is considered one of the most enticing stretches of finishing holes in golf, with two long par-4s and a "stadium'' feel and look common to many TPC designs. Hole No. 16 is particularly noteworthy. This par-3 plays to only 158 yards from the tips, but it requires a forced carry over scrub to a long, narrow green, flanked by a huge bunker on the front left and water on shots that hook or fly the hole.

The course has received numerous accolades, including those from PGA Tour players. According to PGA Tour veteran Peter Jacobsen, "I rate the course a 9 (out of 10) and that's worth telling people about.''

TPC Deere Run also offers a spacious practice facility, including a full-swing area highlighted by realistic target greens, and a short-game area for putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker shots. A choice of instructional options are also available, as well as a Golf Shop recognized as one of the Top 100 in America by Golf World Business Magazine 2007.

For food and drinks, the TPC Grille features a full-service bar and casual food choices.