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see also: Monday Qualifier - PGA Tour John Deere Classic, Pinnacle Country Club
Larson will play again after a solid showing last year, joining fellow amateurs Luke Clanton and Jackson Buchanan in the field
For the second summer in a row, Anders Larson earned a spot in the John Deere Classic through Monday Qualifying at Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Ill. The John Deere Classic will be played at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.
Larson, a rising sophomore at Tennessee Tech University, made it through a 4-for-2 playoff with a birdie on the first playoff hole to earn the final spot in the field.
"I had a lot of confidence coming through playing the same course, knowing that some of my best stuff could get me through," Larson said. "The vibes at Pinnacle (Country Club) are great, the members are great, and I love the golf course. It is very comfortable, like the course I play back home."
Joshua Creel won the qualifier at 7-under and Chase Johnson finished in solo second place at 6-under. Larson, Blake Hathcoat, Michael VanSickle, and Jack Sparrow all played in the 4-for-2 playoff after finishing T3 at 5-under, with Larson and Hathcoat moving on.
Larson has recently played well at Pinnacle, shooting a 5-under bogey-free round in the pre-qualifier.
"It was nice to know that I just had to go out and do the same thing," Larson said.
Larson is a three-time qualifier for the Minnesota State Amateur Championships, highlighted by medalist honors in 2021.
In 2023, Larson missed the cut at 12-over but shot an impressive 1-over 72 in the first round, so a second go at it could make a difference.
"Last year, it was about getting used to it and enjoying the experience. hopefully, the golf is there, but if not, I still have the experience," Larson said. "This year, it is about focusing on golf a little more."
Unfortunately for Larson, he had to make a pit stop after the round due to a blown tire on his way home from qualifying.
Larson will join fellow amateurs Luke Clanton and Jackson Buchanan in the field, who are in with sponsor exemptions. Clanton is ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings, and both golfers played in the U.S. Open in June.
Larson will tee off at 9:46 a.m. ET on Thursday with Jimmy Stanger and recently turned pro and former Stanford standout Michael Thorbjornsen.
18-hole stroke play qualifier open to PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, Champions Tour, and PGA Tour Canada/China/Latinoamerica professionals, as well as professionals and amateurs who have advanced through 18-hole pre-qualifying held the week prior.
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