Chris Gotterup wins John Deere Classic with 62 as Ben Kohles' approach finds water on 18
Chris Gotterup fired a bogey-free 62 to claim his third PGA Tour title of the year at the John Deere Classic, after co-leader Ben Kohles hit his approach into the water on the 72nd hole.
Final-round charge
Chris Gotterup began the day five shots off the lead and six groups ahead of the leaders. He shot a bogey-free 9-under 62, the low round of the week, with nine birdies. He went out in 30 on the front nine, birdieing five of the first seven holes, and added three more on the back nine to post 20-under 264. He finished his round more than an hour before the final group and waited to see if his score would hold.
Kohles' collapse
Ben Kohles, seeking his first PGA Tour win in his 120th start, started strongly with an eagle on the second hole and three birdies in the first eight holes to build a three-shot lead. A missed four-foot par putt at the 11th dropped him into a tie with Gotterup. He bogeyed the 15th, birdied the 16th to rejoin the lead, and then missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th. On the 18th, his approach from the fairway hooked left into the water. After a penalty drop, he missed a par putt and then a bogey putt from inside four feet, carding a double bogey to fall into a tie for third.
I was just trying to hit a three-quarter punch shot. Just tugged it a little, and ended up in the water. Tough way to finish, especially how I played all day.
- Gotterup birdies five of first seven holes, shoots 30; Kohles eagles 2nd, birdies 3rd, 5th, 8th to lead by three.
- Kohles misses 4-foot par putt, drops into tie with Gotterup.
- Kohles bogeys, falls one shot behind.
- Kohles birdies to rejoin Gotterup at 20-under.
- Kohles misses 15-foot birdie putt, remains tied.
- Kohles hits approach into water, makes double bogey; Gotterup wins.
Gotterup's rise
The win is Gotterup's third PGA Tour title of 2026, following victories at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Phoenix Open. It is his fifth career win and fourth in the last 12 months. He moved to No. 7 in the world rankings. His brother Patrick caddied for him, and Gotterup was in tears after the victory.
To have Patrick out here with me... it's just so awesome.
What's next
Gotterup will defend his title at the Scottish Open next week, where he held off Rory McIlroy a year ago. He then heads to the British Open. Max Homa shot a 64 to finish alone in second at 19 under. Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges tied for third with Kohles at 18 under.
