Gossett defends what will likely be the first of many
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2002 John Deere Classic | Preview | 21 Jul 2002
24 year David Gossett returns to the scene of his first victory this week in Silvis, Illinois. Gossett who won here last year while playing on invitation eventually placed 68th on the money list at season’s end and is now secure in his playing rights through 2003. His last round 66 last year was good enough to hold off Briny Baird and Pete Jordan.
The TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, replaced the Oakwood C.C in Coal Valley as the venue for the event in 2000 with Michael Clark 11 being the only other winner here since the change. The course designed by local touring pro D.A. Weibring and PGA Tour Design Services associate Chris Gray, opened in 1999, measures 7183 yards and carries a par of 71. Even though just three years old, the course is already being talked of as amongst the best of the TPC courses.
The field consists of very few from the leading players on the money list or world rankings, no doubt most of those being reluctant to rush back from Muirfield. Charles Howell, Kirk Triplett, Steve Lowery and David Gossett may well be the leading lights.
Australians Steve Allen, Paul Gow, Wayne Grady, who is back from commentary duties at the British Open, Mattie Goggin, John Senden, Rod Pampling, Bradley Hughes along with New Zealanders Grant Waite, Phil Tautaurangi and Michael Long will line up.
