Prairie State Tractor Service Tech to Golf in John Deere Classic Pro-Am

This central Illinois service tech is going pro for a day! Wes Hartz, a Service Technician for Prairie State Tractor who was recently named a 2022 John Deere Tech of the Year Division Champion, will tee off Wednesday, July 5th alongside PGA TOUR pros in the 2023 John Deere Classic Pro-Am.

While attending the Tech of the Year Recognition Dinner in January at John Deere’s Global Headquarters, the conversation came up about how Wes was an avid golfer and always dreamed of playing in the Pro-Am. It was shot in the dark, but little did Wes know, behind the scenes the John Deere team was working to make it a reality.

Wes (right) accepts his award for inaugural Tech of the Year Champion at Deere & Company World Headquarters in Moline, IL.

Fast forward to March, Andrew Haars, John Deere Territory Customer Support Manager, shared the news with Wes on a visit to Prairie State Tractor — he will be playing in the Pro-Am.

"It's pretty cool," reflects Wes Hartz, "I never thought I would actually get this opportunity."

Wes says he's practicing as much as time allows when he's not wrenching on John Deere equipment. He even recently played TPC Deere Run with his Pro-Am caddy, Prairie State Tractor CEO Chris Rupiper.

"I always dreamed of being a professional golfer," adds Wes, "This is an experience I will never forget."

Tickets for the tournament, including the Wednesday Pro-Am, may be purchased at www.johndeereclassic.com. Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult.

Learn more about why Wes won the 2022 John Deere Tech of the Year Award