In a thrilling finale at the John Deere Classic, Chris Gotterup stormed back from a five-shot deficit, firing an impressive nine-under par 62 to capture his fourth PGA Tour title in just twelve months. The American golfer’s remarkable performance solidified his position as one of the rising stars in the sport, especially as he prepares to defend his title at the Scottish Open next week.
A Dramatic Comeback
Gotterup’s victory was not without its moments of tension. As he made his way through the final round at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, he faced stiff competition from Ben Kohles, who was on the brink of securing his first PGA Tour win after 120 attempts. However, Kohles’s hopes were dashed when he faltered on the 18th hole. After hitting his approach shot left and into the water, Kohles ended his round with a double bogey, allowing Gotterup to clinch the win without the need for a playoff.
“I really like this tournament. They’ve been super nice to me,” Gotterup expressed, reflecting on his fondness for the event that granted him a sponsor exemption last year following his college career at Oklahoma. The emotional victory was made even more special with his brother Patrick caddying for him, leading to tears of joy on the practice range.
Stellar Performance Under Pressure
Finishing the tournament at 20-under par 264, Gotterup’s early surge set the tone for his final round. He carded four birdies within the first five holes, with his only par coming from a missed up-and-down opportunity at the par-five second hole. A crucial birdie on the 17th hole, a 15-footer, ensured he would be waiting with anticipation to see if it would be enough for victory.
Kohles’s misfortune on the 18th was particularly heart-wrenching as he had previously rallied to tie Gotterup at 20-under par with a birdie on the 16th. His struggles continued on the 17th when he missed a 15-foot birdie putt, leaving him with a challenging shot on the final hole. “Thought if I hit a full 8, it could have a chance of going over,” Kohles commented regarding his decision-making on the final shot. “Yeah, just tugged it a little, and obviously ended up in the water. Tough way to finish, especially how I played all day.”
Other Notable Performances
Max Homa, a former Ryder Cup player, made a significant impact with a back-nine performance that included four consecutive birdies, finishing in second place with a score of 64. This result marked a vital step in Homa’s quest for the FedEx Cup, moving him to 49th place after a challenging previous season.
Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges, who had shared the lead heading into the final round, both settled for 69s, tying for third place. Canadian golfer Mackenzie Hughes of Hamilton, Ontario, finished in a five-way tie for 46th at nine-under, while A.J. Ewart from Coquitlam, British Columbia, concluded his tournament at three-under in a tie for 71st.
The tournament also highlighted the achievements of young talent, including 19-year-old Blades Brown, who tied for 12th place while pursuing his PGA Tour card, and NCAA champion Preston Stout, who rounded out the leaderboard with a tie for 15th.
Why it Matters
Gotterup’s victory at the John Deere Classic is a testament to his burgeoning talent and resilience on the PGA Tour. As he prepares to defend his title at the Scottish Open, this win not only enhances his confidence but also solidifies his position among the elite players in the world, now ranked seventh. The competitive landscape of golf continues to evolve, with emerging players like Gotterup capturing the spotlight, promising an exciting future for the sport both in Canada and globally.
