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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Brian Bullington, a former member of the University of Iowa men’s golf team, has been extended a sponsor’s exemption and will compete at the PGA TOUR’s 2016 John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, Aug. 8-14.
“I’m really grateful and appreciative of the exemption I was given by Mr. Peterson and everyone involved with the John Deere Classic,” said Bullington. “As a Chicago native and Iowa alum, it’s a dream come true to be able to compete and have my PGA TOUR debut at the John Deere Classic.”
Bullington is a 2015 graduate of the University of Iowa. The two-time Division I PING All-Midwest Regional Team honoree averaged a career best 72.5 strokes-per-round his final season at Iowa. Tying for 13th at the Big Ten Championships his senior year, Bullington helped spring the Hawkeyes to their seventh straight NCAA Regional appearance. He carded a career-best three-over-par 213 at the three-day event, finishing in a tie for 25th.
The Frankfort, Illinois, native earned Iowa’s Sportsmanship Award two straight seasons (2014-15). Bullington started his pro career on the PGA TOUR’s Latinoamerica Tour, where he has made five cuts in seven events.
“The John Deere Classic does such a good job giving young players a chance to compete on the PGA TOUR,” said Bullington. “I’m honored that I was selected and can’t wait to compete.”
Bullington is the fourth Hawkeye to compete in the tournament since 2013. Steven Ihm made his start in 2013 and 2014, finishing in a tie for 27th at three-under-par in 2014. UI seniors Raymond Knoll and Carson Schaake have also made starts in the tournament, Knoll in 2014 and Schaake in 2015.
“I am very happy for Brian,” said UI head coach Tyler Stith. “He has earned this opportunity. I know he will have a lot of Hawkeye support lining the fairways.”
The 2016 John Deere Classic, held at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Deere Run, marks the 46th annual PGA TOUR event in the Quad Cities and the 18th year with John Deere as the title sponsor. This year’s tournament highlights a purse of $4,800,000 and a winning share of $864,000.