Photo by: John Dixon

Senior Luke Guthrie is the only golfer in school history to be a part of four Big Ten titles.

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SILVIS — Former Illinois golfer Luke Guthrie, who finished tied for 19th at the PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic last weekend, was granted a sponsor’s exemption to next month’s John Deere Classic.

Guthrie, the 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year, shot 3-under 277 at the St. Jude Classic to earn $67,872 in his first tournament as a professional.
Stanford freshman Patrick Rodgers and Texas freshman Jordan Spieth were also granted exemptions to the $4.6 million John Deere Classic, which will be played July 12-16.

“The John Deere Classic is pleased to award sponsor exemptions to Luke Guthrie, Patrick Rodgers, and Jordan Spieth, with the goal of giving our fans an early look at three outstanding young players with enormous potential,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.

“The John Deere Classic embraces and takes pride in its role as a tournament that is able to provide playing opportunities for young, talented players, and we’re very excited with the outstanding group we have invited this year.

“By inviting up-and-coming young players, the John Deere Classic looks to give our fans an opportunity to get an early look at players who have the potential to become major champions and legends of the game.”

Another former Illini, Steve Stricker, will join Guthrie in the field. Stricker is looking to win his fourth consecutive John Deere title.