Recent Marquette University graduate Mike Van Sickle was awarded a sponsor's exemption to play in the upcoming John Deere Classic, July 6-12, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. It will mark the first of two PGA Tour events in July for Van Sickle, who joins Alabama-Birmingham graduate Zach Sucher in the Quad Cities-based tournament.

The most-decorated golfer in Marquette history, Mike Van Sickle, earned national recognition yet again when the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) recently announced he was named to the 2009 All-Nicklaus Team. Van Sickle is one of 20 NCAA Division I, II, and III and NAIA players to be recognized for their outstanding play during the past collegiate season.

Mike Van Sickle has been granted a sponsor exemption into this year's U.S. Bank Championship, July 13-19 at Brown Deer Park Golf Course, it was announced Monday by tournament director Dan Croak. It will mark the first PGA Tour event for the former Marquette University golfer.