Chris Gotterup Rallies to Win John Deere Classic After Kohles' Late Collapse

Posted : 06 July 2026

Chris Gotterup produced a stunning final-round charge to win the John Deere Classic after closing with a nine-under-par 62 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

Starting the day five shots behind the leaders, Gotterup surged through the field with an outstanding display that included four birdies in his opening five holes. He finished the tournament at 20-under-par 264 and secured his fourth PGA Tour title in the last 12 months.

The victory was confirmed after Ben Kohles suffered heartbreak on the closing hole. Chasing his maiden PGA Tour title in his 120th career start, Kohles stood level with Gotterup after a birdie on the 16th but missed a birdie chance on the par-five 17th before disaster struck at the 18th.

Kohles drove into the fairway but pulled his approach shot into the water, leading to a double bogey. Although he received relief after finding a sprinkler head near the green, he missed both his lengthy par attempt and the short bogey putt that followed, dropping into a tie for third.

Gotterup watched the closing moments from the practice range before celebrating an emotional victory with his brother Patrick, who served as his caddie throughout the week.

The American said the success meant even more because of his connection to the tournament. He received a sponsor exemption into the John Deere Classic in 2022 after leaving Oklahoma and chose to return this year despite preparing to defend his Scottish Open title next week.

"I really like this tournament. They've been super nice to me," Gotterup said. "To have Patrick out here with me, it's just so awesome."

The win continues an impressive run for Gotterup, who successfully defended the Scottish Open title last year before adding victories at the Sony Open and Phoenix Open earlier this season. The latest triumph moves him to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Max Homa carded a six-under 64 to finish runner-up, recording his best PGA Tour result in more than three years. The finish also lifted him to 49th in the FedExCup standings after struggling for consistency over the past year.

Overnight leaders Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges both closed with one-under 69s to share third place alongside Kohles after failing to maintain their advantage during the final round.

Former champion Zach Johnson, playing in what he considers his hometown event, finished tied for ninth, while rising teenager Blades Brown claimed a share of 12th as he continues his pursuit of a full PGA Tour card.

Chris Gotterup Rallies to Win John Deere Classic After Kohles' Late Collapse

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