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Multiple PGA Tour Golfers Withdraw Days Before John Deere Classic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The PGA Tour heads to Silvis, Illinois, this week for the John Deere Classic, kicking off July 3 at TPC Deere Run. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and low scores, the tournament will feature a 156-player field aiming to take home the title.

This comes right after the Rocket Mortgage Classic wrapped up on Sunday, where Aldrich Potgieter clinched his first PGA tour win. But as eyes shift to Deere Run, there have been some key last-minute changes to the field.

Three players have withdrawn in the lead-up to the tournament, Norman Xiong, Danny Walker, and Aaron Baddeley. All three made their exits over the weekend, shaking up the entry list just days before the opening round. In their place, Zac Blair, Matt NeSmith, and James Hahn have been added to the field.

These players were initially listed as alternates and now have an unexpected chance to compete on one of the PGA Tour’s most opportunity-filled stages.

The current field still features plenty of young stars and emerging talents. Defending champion Davis Thompson is back to protect his title, while college standouts like Luke Clanton, Michael La Sasso, Jackson Koivun, and David Ford are also part of the lineup. Notably, 20-year-old Aldrich Potgieter, the youngest South African PGA Tour winner, will also tee it up.

Field updates for the John Deere Classic:

Saturday, June, 28
Norman Xiong WD / Zac Blair IN
Danny Walker WD / Matt NeSmith IN

Sunday, June 29
Aaron Baddeley WD / James Hahn IN
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) June 29, 2025

The John Deere Classic has often been a launchpad for future stars, and while some familiar names have exited, the new additions could make headlines by week’s end. With a mix of experience and youthful firepower, TPC Deere Run promises another thrilling week of golf.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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