Brian Campbell Clinches Second PGA Tour Title in Dramatic John Deere Classic Playoff

Posted : 07 July 2025

Brian Campbell claimed his second PGA Tour victory of the 2025 season on Sunday, edging out Emiliano Grillo in a dramatic sudden-death playoff at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois. The 32-year-old American, who began his PGA Tour journey at this very tournament as an amateur, returned to TPC Deere Run to seal an emotional win on familiar ground.

Both Campbell and Argentina's Grillo shot four-under-par 67s in the final round to finish tied at 18-under 266 after 72 holes. The playoff took them back to the par-four 18th hole, where Campbell delivered a precise second shot that landed just 16 feet from the hole. Grillo, meanwhile, found the right rough off the tee and sent his approach shot long, forcing a difficult chip back. His attempt to save par from just off the green missed, leaving Campbell to calmly two-putt for the win.

“This is surreal,” said Campbell, reflecting on the journey that brought him full circle. “My first PGA Tour start was here as an amateur, and to come back and win it this way—after all the challenges—is just incredible.”

Campbell’s victory follows his earlier win at the Mexico Open in February, which also came via a playoff. On Sunday, he appeared in control with a two-shot lead after sinking a 14-foot birdie putt on the 13th hole. However, a double-bogey on the 15th set him back before he rebounded with a crucial birdie on 17 to retake the lead.

Grillo matched Campbell’s total with a birdie of his own at 17—his fifth of the day—and nearly clinched the tournament outright with a 37-foot birdie attempt at the 18th, which missed by just an inch. “I played well and gave myself a chance,” said Grillo, a two-time PGA Tour winner who has also earned both of his titles via playoffs.

David Lipsky, playing in the final group, surged into contention with an eagle on the 17th but faltered with a bogey on the final hole, missing the playoff by a stroke. He finished tied for third alongside Kevin Roy, who carded a six-under 65 with six birdies. Max Homa led a group of six players tied on 268 after closing with a 69.

In other golf news, England’s Daniel Brown captured his second European Tour title by winning the BMW International Open in Munich. Brown, ranked 170 in the world, carded a final-round 66 to finish at 22-under, two shots ahead of fellow countryman Jordan Smith.

Brown, who had led overnight by one stroke, dedicated the emotional win to a close friend who passed away the previous weekend. “The last two days I’ve been thinking about him just to take my mind off the pressure,” he said. Smith, who briefly tied for the lead after the front nine, saw his hopes fade with three back-nine bogeys despite a solid 67. New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori delivered the round of the day, a nine-under 63, to secure third place at 18-under.

Brian Campbell Clinches Second PGA Tour Title in Dramatic John Deere Classic Playoff

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