Trans-Atlantic travel is never easy. Even when you think that all the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted, something will invariably go wrong. That was the case last summer when the John Deere Classic’s charter flight across the pond to take golfers from the Quad-Cities to Scotland was shuffled a bit.
Deere officials had secured the use of the New England Patriots’ second plane to use for the charter flight. Little did anyone know, though, “that plane didn’t have a charter certificate to get into the UK,” said JDC tournament director Andrew Lehman, noting that information came to light on Monday, July 4 during the pro-am pairings party. Scrambling, a replacement plane was secured and all in the travel party arrived in a timely fashion.
Which is seemingly a key selling point to players entering the PGA Tour event in the smallest market on the schedule. “We stopped guys in their tracks on the range a year ago when we brought the charter back,” said Lehman. “It’s the easiest way to get over there and no risk of lost luggage or lost clubs.
“The guys seem to appreciate this option.” Lehman reported that 60 of the 96 Business Class lay-flat seats in the 767-300ER jet that will be used this year have been spoken for already. More seats could be occupied before the plane leaves the Quad cities International Airport next Sunday evening.
Tournament officials request a donation of $2,000 per seat that goes to the JDC charity fund. By working with Scottish Open off.
