Francis set to play in John Deere Classic

2006 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Philip Francis of Scottsdale, Ariz., has been extended an invitation to play in the PGA TOUR's John Deere Classic. It will be the second PGA TOUR event for Francis, who is bound for UCLA in the fall. Francis has also accepted an invitation to play in the Stanford St. Jude Classic June 7-10.

Francis had a breakout year in 2006, notching five victories. The 18-year-old took first place at the ReBath Heather Farr Classic and the I.R.I./Srixon Mixed Team Championship hosted by Jim Furyk, where he partnered with fellow 2006 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Esther Choe. He captured two Invitational titles at the Thunderbird International Junior and the Rolex Tournament of Champions. Francis also won the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, defeating Richard Lee of Chandler, Ariz., 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final round.