SILVIS — Leot Taylor strolled through the grass Wednesday morning at TPC Deere Run, just a few yards behind a small blonde boy and smaller blonde girl.
The Taylors were one family of many out for the pro-am portion of the John Deere Classic.
"This is a day to relax, for the kids to run the course and see the sights, and for me to just enjoy being with my family," said Taylor, the 36-year-old wife of pro golfer Vaughn Taylor. "We've always loved the John Deere Classic and coming to the Quad-Cities.
"We enjoy our time here. I think we've been coming here since 2004."
Leot Taylor watched her daughter find a spot in the shade and squat to examine the base of a tree.
While the Taylors strolled, 11-year-old Kasen Ponder and his dad, Sean Ponder, were busy following Kasen's favorite golfer — 2019 John Deere Classic champion Dylan Frittelli.
"My dad bought me the flag, and it was pretty cool to meet Dylan," Kasen said. "This is the third year we've been able to come out. My dad and I walk to course and we get to spend time together and talk about golf."
Local football fans know the Ponder name. Alec, Kasen's older brother, just finished his junior season as Moline High School's quarterback. And Sean once not only played indoor football, he coached the Quad Cities Steamwheelers.
"Kasen and I really enjoy being out here," Sean said. "We play together, along with my daughter, and we always end up laughing and just having a time.
"Really, golf is just a chance to spend time with the kids. We follow along the course; we talk about Kasen's favorite players. It's what they call bonding, I guess. For us it's just fun."
