Full Breakdown
Chris Gotterup Clinches John Deere Classic with Final-Round 62
7/6/2026, 4:47:31 AM
Come-From-Behind Victory at TPC Deere Run
Chris Gotterup overcame a five-stroke deficit to shoot a bogey-free 62, finishing 20-under 264 and winning the 2026 John Deere Classic by one stroke over Max Homa.
Gotterup’s Ties to the Tournament
Gotterup first played the John Deere Classic in 2022 on a sponsor exemption, finishing fourth and establishing a long-standing affinity for the Silvis venue.
Principal Competitors
Chris Gotterup (26, five PGA wins) caddied by brother Patrick after regular caddie Brady Stockton went on paternity leave; Ben Kohles (120th start) was co-leader before a water-hazard double-bogey; Max Homa (former Ryder Cup player) finished solo second; Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges shared the 54-hole lead and tied for third.
Statistical Highlights
Final round 62 (9-under) with nine birdies, 13 one-putts, 23 total putts and 4-for-4 scrambling; front-nine 5-under 30; prize $1.584 million from an $8.8 million purse; season tally three wins in 2026, five career victories.
Season-Long Implications
The victory moved Gotterup to No. 6 in the FedExCup, placed him inside the world top-10, and tied him with Matt Fitzpatrick for the most PGA wins in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Gotterup thanked the tournament’s hospitality and his brother’s presence. He called the round a “special week” and said he would “take a Sunday 62 any time.” Kohles expressed disappointment with his 18th-hole shot but said he was proud of his overall play. Homa acknowledged Gotterup’s superior round and noted his own missed opportunities.
Criticism & Opposition
Kohles criticized his club choice, calling the approach “a little in between,” and blamed it for the water-hazard loss. Homa’s post-round remarks admitted he “needed to be a little sharper,” highlighting his own shortcomings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
World-ranking reports differ: RFI lists Gotterup at No. 7 after the win, while Golf Week places him at No. 14. Additionally, some sources call him an Oklahoma product, others a New Jersey native.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When I come down the stretch, I like to think I'm going to close it out and I did a great job of that today,” — Chris Gotterup, Player
- “God, I don’t even know. I mean, I really like this tournament. They’ve been super nice to me, and to come out here and to have Patrick out here with me,” — Chris Gotterup, Player
- “I had my chances. I just needed to be a little sharper.” — Max Homa, Player
What’s Next
Gotterup will travel to Scotland to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title at the Renaissance Club beginning July 9.
