New faces, 'old timers' join John Deere Classic field
The John Deere Classic continues to add new names and established PGA Tour stars to its anticipated 2007 field.
“Old-timers” Kenny Perry (9), Jesper Parnevik (5), Kirk Triplett (3) and Woody Austin (2) will bring a total of 19 previous PGA Tour victories to the TPC Deere Run July 12-15.
Meanwhile, PGA Tour newcomers Anthony Kim, Jeff Quinney and Brant Snedecker will bring a wealth of potential.
Rising young players J.B. Holmes and Heath Slocum also were announced as field additions Thursday.
“Added to the list we already have, it is a nice mix of veterans and up-and-coming stars of the future,” said tournament director Clair Peterson.
Kim — a three-time collegiate All-American who posted a second in his first Tour start last fall in San Antonio, Texas — is a particularly intriguing addition from Peterson’s point of view.
“I think Anthony Kim could win,” he said of the 22-year-old rookie who is the Tour’s youngest member. “He has had a great year and he is just fearless. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he wins.”
With five top-10 finishes to his credit, Kim ranks 32nd on the PGA Tour money list.
He follows Nationwide Tour grads Quinney (25th) and who also is a prime contenders for rookie of the year honors after solid early-season efforts on the West Coast.
Big hitter Holmes contended for the top rookie honor a year ago after winning the FBR Open in Phoenix.
He is one of four 2006 winners announced so far, joining Triplett (Chrysler Classic of Tucson), Carl Petterson (Memorial) and defending JDC champion John Senden.
Previously announced were four 2007 Tour winners, led by Masters champion Zach Johnson. Also in are Boo Weekly (Verizon Heritage), Mark Wilson (Honda Classic) and Nick Watney (Zurich Classic of New Orleans).
Perry, Parnevik and friends join a distinguished list of 40-something players headed by 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger and 2004 European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer.
Parnevik, a Swede known for his colorful wardrobe and upturned cap bill, will be making his first appearance at Deere Run.
Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com