The John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program will attempt to raise $2.3 million on behalf of its participating charities in 2006.

"Our goal for 2006 is for the Birdies for Charity program to raise $2.3 million for some 500 participating charities that are affiliated with the program," said Kristy Ketcham, director of the Birdies for Charity program.

"In addition to the money collected from individual and corporate donors, it is our goal to provide a 10 per cent bonus to all of our participating organizations, as we have for many years," Ketcham said. "That way, if an organization raises $10,000 in donations, we will donate an extra $1,000 to the charity."

In another attempt to make history, Michelle Wie will return to the Midwest to tee it up against the best players in the world at this year's John Deere Classic, tournament.

The 16-year-old Hawaiian will come back to the Tournament Players Club at Deere Run, July 10-16, where last year she nearly became the first woman in 60 years to make the cut in a PGA Tour event. "Michelle Wie is one of the biggest stars in golf today and we are thrilled that she has accepted our invitation to play in the 2006 John Deere Classic," said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson. "Michelle's performance here last year electrified our fans and helped us increase our charity donations by a million dollars. She played well against the best players in the world and handled herself with a grace and maturity beyond her years."

If anyone ever deserved the victory for last year's tournament, it was Sean O'Hair. He shot a 6-under-par 65, holding off J.L. Lewis and Hank Kuehne to win the John Deere Classic for his first career victory. The rookie was making his 18th career start, and he finished with a 16-under 268. Sports betting fans were glad for him.

So steady all day, O'Hair made things interesting at the end. After a birdie on 17, he had to scramble on 18 after nearly putting his ball in the water. With the ball on the hazard line, O'Hair chipped within 10 feet to make par.

"(On) 18, especially a guy in my situation who never won before, you're definitely almost puking," he said, laughing. "My hands were so sweaty; I was more concerned about keeping my hands dry than anything."

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