The PGA Tour returns to the Quad Cities this week with the John Deere Classic. Eight former champions are in the field, including defending champ Sepp Straka, two-time champ and three time major winner Jordan Spieth as well as Cedar Rapids native and two time major winner Zach Johnson. Tournament director Andrew Lehman says the John Deere being two weeks before The Open Championship has helped attract more big names.

The new date means tournament week will regularly include the Fourth of July. Thursday’s opening round is on Independence Day.

Lehman says they are embracing the holiday as part of the tournament.

For the second straight year the tournament will host a concert after Saturday’s third round and Sunday’s final round. Lehman says the concerts help attract non-golf fans to the event.

Monday afternoon at the TPC at Deere Run there is a Pro-Am event.